Wangui Ngirici calls for probe into rising cases of missing children
By Emmanuel Rono, June 10, 2026Former Kirinyaga Woman Representative Wangui Ngirici has called for urgent investigations into the rising cases of missing children, urging the government to take the matter seriously and allow for independent scrutiny into child safety systems.
Speaking during a public gathering on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, Ngirici dismissed claims that concerns over missing children have been exaggerated, insisting that the cases are being reported frequently and require immediate attention.
“Wanapotea sana. Na serikali imesema, sema ati tunaweka exaggeration kwamba watoto hawapotei. Nataka kuwaambia nimesikia mmoja watoto wamepotea. Kila siku kwa TV, watoto wanapotea,” she said.
She appealed to parents to remain vigilant, warning that children could be at risk even in everyday situations such as going to school.
“Tuombee wazazi na nyinyi wazazi, mtoto akienda shule jichukulie mtoto wako na umake sure kama kuna mtu anamchukua. Sababu hatujui wanapelekwa wapi,” she added.
Missing children report
The principal secretary for the State Department for Children Welfare Services, Carren Ageng’o, recently revealed that a majority of reported missing child cases in Kenya involve children who have voluntarily left their homes, with parental neglect emerging as a key contributing factor.
Speaking on the growing concern over missing children in an interview with a local TV station on Friday, June 5, 2026, Ageng’o noted that teenagers account for the largest proportion of such cases, with many choosing to run away from home due to challenges within their family environments.
According to the PS, about 70 per cent of all missing child cases reported across the country are linked to parental neglect, highlighting the need for stronger family support systems and improved communication between parents and their children.
“The majority of the missing child cases are children running away from home, mainly teenagers. Seventy per cent of all cases are attributed to parental neglect,” said Ageng’o.
The PS further emphasised the importance of prompt reporting when a child goes missing, urging families to act quickly by involving authorities without delay.
“When a child goes missing, the first point of reporting should be the nearest police station, then the office of the children,” Ageng’o said.