Self-confessed theft suspect, Baraka Joseph, at Makupa Police Station. Photo/Newsflash
By Newsflash Reporter
A 16-year-old boy stunned police and residents in Mombasa when he began mimicking goat and chicken sounds after confessing to having stolen the animals in Nairobi.
According to an incident report seen by Newsflash—OB 21/28/6/2025 filed at 11:00 a.m.—officers at Makupa Police Station received the boy, identified as Baraka Joseph, from members of the public in the Majengo Sokoni area.
Baraka, who could not speak normally, instead communicated by writing and making the sounds of goats and chicken.
In his written confession, Baraka claimed he stole two goats and two chicken on April 20, 2025, from a home in Nairobi belonging to a Kamba family. He reportedly sold the goats for KSh 3,000 and the chickens for KSh 1,000. He later fled to Mombasa by bus on June 4.
Strangely, Baraka said he was able to talk during the journey, but upon reaching Mombasa, he mysteriously lost his voice and began mimicking the very animals he had stolen.
Wants forgiveness
Startled residents who encountered him in Majengo said he was behaving erratically—clucking like a chicken and bleating like a goat. Concerned for his safety, they escorted him to Majengo Police Post, from where officers took over the matter.
The boy, who appeared visibly remorseful, pleaded through writing that he wanted help to return to Nairobi and ask for forgiveness from the livestock owner. He claimed his bizarre condition was a result of guilt, possibly divine punishment.
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Police, unsure of the nature of his condition—whether psychological, medical or spiritual—referred Baraka to Coast General Hospital for medical attention and further observation.
The case has stirred reactions in Mombasa, with some residents saying the incident was an example of “justice from above,” while others expressed sympathy, urging authorities to treat the boy with care and ensure he receives the help he needs.
Investigations are ongoing, and police say they are liaising with counterparts in Nairobi to trace the original owner of the stolen animals and verify the boy’s claims.
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