GEM: Chaos erupted in Nyabeda sub-location, Gem Yala Sub-County, after a 7-year-old boy, Michael Owino Alumba, was found murdered in Onono village on Wednesday morning.

Irate villagers set fire to two houses at the home of Dominic Odhiambo after his son was linked to the boy’s death.

According to Nyabeda Assistant Chief Tom Aruwa, the boy had been missing since Tuesday evening.

His lifeless body was discovered in a nearby bush early Wednesday, sparking outrage among residents.

The villagers’ suspicion suggest that Dominic Odhiambo’s son, Evans Odeny Odhiambo, 28, was the prime suspect in the murder.

Chief Aruwa revealed that days earlier, Evans had allegedly been caught stealing bananas from the farm of the deceased boy’s father and was warned to desist.

It is suspected that he may have returned, abducted, and killed the boy in retaliation.

“Angered by the tragic death, villagers stormed Dominic Odhiambo’s home, destroying property and setting two houses ablaze,” said Mr. Aruwa.

Police have since visited the scene, and the boy’s body has been taken to Yala Sub-County Hospital as investigations begin.

Authorities have launched a manhunt for the suspect, who remains at large.