Father Arrested as Police Probe Toddler’s Death in Nakuru

The body of two-year-old Prince Nathan, who went missing earlier this month in Njoro, was found on Sunday evening in River Ndarugu, ending a three-week search.

The child’s mother, Ms Jane Kariuki, identified the remains on Monday at Egerton University mortuary. She recognised her son by the clothes he was last seen wearing, including his socks, sweater, and pullover. The body was in an advanced state of decomposition and bore a deep abdominal wound.

Prince Nathan was last seen on 8 September, following a domestic dispute between his parents at their home in Kariobangi village, Njoro Sub-County. According to Ms Kariuki, her husband assaulted her during the incident and took away her mobile phone. She reported the matter to the police before leaving for work in Nakuru City, leaving the child in his father's care. 

Later that morning, her sister, who lives in the same building and frequently cared for Nathan, alerted her that the child had gone missing. Upon returning home, Ms Kariuki was informed that her husband had already reported the disappearance to the family.

The discovery of the body was made public through a social media post describing a child found in the river by a woman washing clothes. Ms Kariuki travelled to the scene, where police had cordoned off the area. Though initially barred from viewing the remains, she later confirmed the child’s identity at the mortuary.

Police have reopened investigations. Njoro Sub-County Police Commander Stanley Koech stated that detectives are awaiting postmortem results to determine the cause of death. Prince’s father, who was arrested shortly after the disappearance, had been held in custody under a 14-day court order but was released last week. 

Authorities indicated that further action may follow depending on the outcome of forensic examinations. Ms Kariuki thanked neighbours and volunteers who supported the search effort, including those who distributed posters and helped search surrounding areas. However, she said the outcome was devastating.

“I was not expecting to find my son dead,” she said. “I have been living with hopes of finding him alive.”