Kakamega Mum Seeks Help as Son Disappears, Leaves Heartfelt Letter Asking for Forgiveness
- Clinton Mengo, a teenage boy from Malava, Kakamega county, went missing on the morning of Thursday, June 5
- Before leaving, Clinton left a handwritten letter apologising to his mother and asking her not to look for him
- His desperate mum has asked for help to find him and tips from parents on how to correct their teenagers when they do mistakes to avoid such occurrences
- TUKO.co.ke spoke to Kisumu-based psychologist who shared that a teenager running away from home may be a sign that they're feeling overwhelmed, unheard, or emotionally unsafe
A mother from Malava in Kakamega county is appealing for help to find her teenage son, who went missing on the morning of Thursday, June 5.
Source: Facebook
The mum said her son, Clinton Mengo, disappeared from home after she scolded him for repeating the same mistakes, even after being warned not to.
She shared that the young boy left a handwritten letter on the table, asking for forgiveness and explaining that she should not try to find him.
“I am stressed. How do parents with boys aged between 11 and 18 correct and discipline their sons, especially when they repeat the same mistakes?” she asked.
What did missing Kakamega boy say in his letter?
In his letter, Clinton expressed several concerns and vowed only to return home once he had changed his ways.
“Hi mum, I know I have made a mistake and I am so sorry for that. Do not worry about me. I will change while away from home; that is why I have decided to leave,” he wrote.
The teenager went on to say that the accusation made against him the previous day that he had stolen a phone was false.
“I did not steal Noel’s phone. I do not even know where he usually keeps it. He forced me to admit to stealing the phone so that you would punish me. He also told Sergio that since you are far away, he will con you out of some money. But I am sorry. Please forgive me,” wrote Clinton.
He further asked his mother not to look for him, promising to return home safe and sound.
“I have taken my drugs with me and I will continue taking it. Any time I say I am sick, you do not believe me,” he stated.
The contents of the letter sparked mixed reactions online.
Many offered advice, others shared their personal experiences with their children, while some highlighted that the boy was not okay and needed love and counselling.
What can make a teenager run away from home?
TUKO.co.ke spoke to Kisumu-based psychologist Steve Omondi who shared that sometimes when a teenager runs away after a quarrel, it's often a sign that they're feeling overwhelmed, unheard, or emotionally unsafe.
"It’s not just about the argument itself, it's about the deeper emotional needs that may not be getting met," he said.
He noted that once the boy is found, the mother should reflect on her relationship with the child and have a calm and non-confrontational conversation where the goal is to listen and understand.
Kenyans react to the missing Kakamega boy’s letter
Faith Nduku Mutua:
‘“Nikisema mimi ni mgonjwa hauamini” broke my heart. This is a broken child who feels unloved. I pray he is found safe.’
Ebby Kareha:
‘As a parent, I can never judge you. Parenting has no manual, and sometimes these kids can push our patience to the limit. May he be found safe and healthy, in Jesus' name. When you find him, please take him for counselling. He also needs to understand that conflicts are not solved by running away from home. Praying for the best, mama. Najua hata hulali (I know you’re not even sleeping).’
Ava Onyango:
‘First of all, I really hope he is safe and that he comes back home as soon as possible. It shall be okay, Mama, but you may have to change your parenting style and really listen to your child. The current generation of kids needs six things in equal measure: your guidance and discipline, a listening ear, friendship, love, constant correction (with love), God, and prayers. You have to balance all that so they understand that, as much as you are their parent, you are also their friend, disciplinarian, and safe haven. But above all, you are their biggest cheerleader. They thrive on understanding and positive encouragement. And they are a woke generation, you can’t just use force the way our parents did with us. Speaking from the perspective of a mum to an almost 19-year-old and an 11-year-old.’
Source: Facebook
Nairobi family relieved as missing son is found alive
In other news, TUKO.co.ke reported that a young boy from Nairobi was found alive barely 24 hours after he went missing.
Austine Karema disappeared while playing with other children at Imara Daima estate, near the Penda Hospital building.
The young boy was found by a group of mkokoteni operators at the Mukuru kwa Njenga dumping site, who ensured he was reunited with his family.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
