Written by Alice Njoki.
A shocking incident has happened in Chemogoch Village, Bomet County (kericho region)15-year-old boy, Amos Kiptoo, is in critical condition at mission hospital after eating a raw snake. Witnesses say he hunted the snake and ate it alive, raising serious questions about parental care and community responsibility. How did we get here? Why are children being left to do such dangerous things?
This story is not just about one boy , it shows a big problem in Kenya. Where is the community when children are dropping out of school or selling bad drinks? Parents are very busy trying to make money, but does that mean they can’t watch their kids? Communities used to help each other, but now they don’t. Elders don’t guide the young, and neighbors don’t help. Children like Amos are left alone, and it’s very sad.
Kenya is facing a crisis in helping children. The government recently cut money for the Child Welfare Society of Kenya (CWSK), which helps 700,000 children. Without this help, many kids will be hungry, homeless, or in danger. This decision is very bad because it hurts children. Without safety nets, many children will do bad things because they have no choice.
Children in Kenya face many challenges. Many are hungry and don’t grow well because they don’t eat enough. Girls are often hurt before they turn 18. In rural areas, many girls are forced into early marriages, while boys are made to work like adults. These are children, yet no one stands up for them. It’s heartbreaking to see this happening while the community watches silently. Even worse, the government does little to help. They claim education is free, but that’s far from the truth. Parents are still asked to pay fees like lunch levies and other charges in schools. Politicians often say education is free in public speeches, but when you visit schools, parents are told to pay money. For many families, even finding food is hard enough. So when schools demand these payments, children are forced to drop out. This is very sad because these children are innocent and deserve a chance at education. The government should make schools truly free by removing all extra charges. This would help many children who are suffering in silence.
The solution starts with responsibility. Parents must watch over their children and teach them well. Communities must help families who are struggling. Schools need more money to educate children and help them with their feelings. The government must fix its mistakes and prioritize children’s needs. Organizations like Save the Children , Mtoto news and other organizations that are advocating for children rights show that working together can help children through education and emergencies.
Amos Kiptoo’s story should be a wake-up call for Kenya. It’s not just about one boy eating a snake, it’s about a society failing its children. We can’t let children suffer whether they are selling bad drinks or going hungry at home. Children are our future, and we must protect them. Let’s act now before more children are hurt by neglect and desperation.