Siaya Community in Shock as Two Missing Schoolgirls Found Murdered

The community of Yala is gripped by fear and outrage following the separate murders of two secondary school students, Emma Akinyi Onyango, 17, and Angel Mitchell Atieno, 18, in Gem Sub-county. 

Emma Akinyi Onyango, a student at Yala Township Secondary School, was found dead on May 26 in a thicket near a Kenya Broadcasting Corporation substation. She had left home that morning en route to school but never arrived. Assistant Chief Beatrice Amolo has confirmed that Emma's parents reported her disappearance after she failed to reach school, adding to the shock felt by the family and community. 

Initial investigations suggest Emma was attacked, sexually assaulted, and murdered. Days later, another tragedy struck. Angel Mitchell Atieno, a student at Sagam Day Secondary School, was discovered dead near a footpath leading to her home in Sagam village. She had mysteriously left her home during the night. 

Gem Yala Sub-county Police Commander Charles Wafula notes that both cases involved violence and indicated evidence of sexual assault. He assures the public that thorough investigations are underway and that the police are committed to apprehending those responsible.

In response to these crimes, local school principals and police officials convened an emergency meeting. They agreed to enforce the government guideline that students should not arrive at school before 7 a.m., aiming to reduce the risks associated with early morning travel. 

The community's frustration reached a boiling point on May 28 when parents, students, and residents organised a peaceful protest. They marched from Yala Town to the site where Emma's body was discovered, carrying branches as a symbol of mourning. Participants demanded increased security patrols and emphasised the need to prevent future tragedies.