A Kisii family is desperately seeking information on the whereabouts of their 15-year-old son, Jared Rogito, who vanished on Wednesday, September 16.
Jared, affectionately called Daddy by those close to him, went missing the night before he was due to begin a new chapter at a vocational training college.
How Kisii Teen Disappeared
Deborah Mogiti, a neighbour who had stepped in to support Jared, told TUKO.co.ke that the youngster has mild autism and is a quiet, gentle boy.
Jared, who hails from Ikoba, Bomariba, Keboye Sub-location in Kisii County, was wearing a white floral shirt, faded blue jeans and grey Crocs at the time of his disappearance.
“He is dark-skinned, slender and stands at approximately 5’1,” Deborah said, adding that she became involved after learning about the hardship his family was enduring
The teenager’s disappearance is particularly painful given the circumstances that led up to it.
Reluctance Towards College
Out of compassion, Deborah invited Jared to stay with her temporarily while she made arrangements for him to enrol in a vocational training programme.
“He’s coming from a family that’s so down. I wanted to help him go to a vocational training in Kisii because that is home,” Deborah said.
She added that Jared’s mother had specifically asked her to explore ways of helping the teenager, only to learn that the boy may not have been keen on joining the training programme.
His family indicated he appeared reluctant, raising questions about whether his disappearance was linked to the upcoming enrolment.
Well-Wisher’s Kindness Turns to Worry
When Deborah was called the following morning, she was informed that Jared’s bed was empty. He had slipped away overnight without a word.
“I’m worried because he was under my care and the parents are crying to me,” she said, adding that she feared the teenager may have made his way into Kisii town and could now be unable to navigate his way back.
Jared’s parents, Rogito Nyongora and Millicent Rogito, are now pleading with anyone who may have encountered their son to come forward.
Members of the public in Kisii and the wider region are urged to stay alert. Anyone with information on Jared’s whereabouts can contact his guardians: Susan Masiemo on 0790051506 or Deborah Mogiti on 0796592382.
Information can also be reported to the nearest police station, including Nyamagundo Police Station in Bonchari.
