Herbalist Sought After Children Die from Poisoned Soda
Detectives from the Rwenzori East Regional Police are actively searching for Dr. Hajji Abdul Kasiita, a herbalist, in connection with the deaths of two young children. The tragic incident occurred on the evening of August 8, 2024, in Kogere Cell, Nyamwamba Division, Kasese Municipality. The children, Catherine Kabugho, 10, and Caroline Mbambu, 8, were reportedly poisoned after consuming soda believed to be laced with poison.
SP Luka Mbusa, the acting spokesperson for Rwenzori East Regional Police, confirmed that the deceased were the daughters of Mary Murungi, a police officer stationed at Masika Police. Mary Murungi is also the wife of Dr. Kasiita. At the time of their death, the children were staying at Kasiita’s home.
The children were taken to Mount St. Mary’s Hospital in Kasese Municipality, where they were pronounced dead upon arrival. During the investigation, police found two empty soda bottles with a distinct smell of rat poison. “We have begun our investigation into the matter. Dr. Kasiita is being sought for questioning in connection with the deaths of his stepchildren,” Mbusa stated.
Neighbor George Baluku reported that he visited Kasiita’s home on the day of the incident and inquired why the children were absent from school. The children reportedly complained of severe stomach pain after consuming chapatis and soda that Dr. Kasiita had bought for them. As of now, the postmortem report has not been made available.
