By Our reporter

A prison warder was arrested on Sunday after allegedly killing his four-year-old son during a an  incident in Wajir’s Bulla Jogoo neighbourhood, according to family members and local residents.

The suspect is in custody as police investigate the death of the child. Authorities had not issued an official statement by the time of publication.

Residents gathered outside the family’s home early Sunday after news of the incident spread across the neighbourhood.

Family members alleged that the suspect became violent inside the house before attacking his wife and children. They also claimed he was under the influence of drugs at the time, although police have not confirmed that allegation.

The child’s mother, Fatuma Hassan, told local media that the incident began when her husband allegedly ordered the family to leave the house before turning violent.

“He started destroying utensils in the kitchen, asking us to move out. He started beating people and the kids. He hit me with a metal bar several times. I ran away” Hassan said.

She alleged that her husband then attacked their son with a metal object.

“He threw the boy from the bed and hit him with the metal. I found the boy lying down and bleeding from the nose. He died in my hands as we were taking him to hospital for medical treatment,” she said.

Police had not disclosed a possible motive or indicated whether the suspect had recorded a statement. It also remained unclear whether formal charges had been filed as investigations continued.

The incident has shocked residents of Bulla Jogoo, many of whom gathered at the scene as police launched investigations. Community members called for a thorough inquiry into the child’s death.

Police are expected to complete their investigations before forwarding the case to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for a decision on whether to file criminal charges.