Young boy locked in shed for 7 years in Meru County
By Kenneth Mwenda, January 28, 2026A nine-year-old boy, identified as Ezekiel Mwiti, has spent nearly seven years confined in a small wooden structure resembling an animal pen in Meru County, Kenya, sparking widespread public outrage.
According to residents, Ezekiel has been living with his grandparents following the death of his parents. The family claims the child exhibited challenging behaviour, including destroying household property, which they say prompted them to restrain him and confine him to the shed for most of the time. The boy’s grandfather reportedly admitted to tying him by the leg on occasion.
Videos circulating widely on social media show Ezekiel inside the cramped enclosure. In one clip, the grandfather, speaking in Kimeru, attempts to justify the treatment.
“The kid has been destroying my property and that’s why we always lock him inside,” he says in the video.
The grandfather further claims that Ezekiel cannot hear or speak. Another individual heard in the footage states that the boy has never been taken to a hospital or undergone any medical assessment since birth.
The footage triggered a wave of condemnation online, with many Kenyans describing the treatment as cruel, inhumane, and unacceptable. Social media users and child rights advocates urged families facing similar challenges to seek medical care, counselling, or social support rather than resorting to confinement or physical restraint.
Rural child neglect concerns
The case has drawn attention to broader issues of child neglect and disability management in rural areas. When parents die, caregiving responsibilities often fall to elderly relatives who may lack resources, awareness, or access to healthcare. Poverty, limited understanding of developmental disabilities, and deeply rooted traditional beliefs can contribute to harmful practices.
Neighbours and relatives are reported to have been aware of Ezekiel’s situation for several years but did not intervene, raising further concerns about community responsibility and oversight.
There have been growing calls for authorities and child protection agencies to act swiftly. Members of the public have demanded that Ezekiel receive immediate medical care, psychosocial support, and placement in a safe environment. Others have urged law enforcement to investigate and hold those responsible accountable under the law.
Kenya’s Constitution guarantees every child the right to protection from abuse, neglect, and cruel or degrading treatment. Child welfare organisations, including the Child Welfare Society of Kenya, have reiterated the need for urgent intervention in cases involving vulnerable children.
On Tuesday, January 27, 2026, a children’s home took Ezekiel into protective care, pending medical evaluations and legal clearance. Authorities and social workers are expected to ensure he receives food, clean water, clothing, and comprehensive medical attention. Specialists may also work with him to assess his condition, support communication development, and help him recover from years of isolation.
The case has reignited national debate on child protection, disability awareness, and neglect in rural communities. Many hope that Ezekiel’s rescue will not only offer him a chance at healing and dignity but also serve as a wake-up call to prevent the silent suffering of other vulnerable children across the country.