A five-year-old minor is nursing injuries at the Nairobi Women’s Hospital after his uncle allegedly chopped off his genitals in Wundanyi, Taita-Taveta County.

The shocking incident occurred in Matasenyi village on Tuesday night after the boy was reportedly left in the company of his uncle.

Wundanyi OCPD Benjamin Muhia told the Nation that the suspect injured the boy moments after he arrived home from school.

“The suspect allegedly picked up a knife and chopped off the minor’s genital without a valid reason,” he said.

The suspect was beaten to a pulp by irate villagers, who later took him to the police station.

“The suspect was in a critical condition so we took him to Dawida Hospital as police continue with investigations,” said the OCPD.

The 27-year-old man was later transferred to Wesu Sub-County Hospital.

The OCPD said the minor lives with his uncle and his grandmother. The boy’s grandmother had reportedly gone to the market when the incident happened.

Police say the boy complained to his uncles that he was feeling pain in his private parts. When they checked, they discovered his genitals had been chopped off.

According to the police, the suspect could not assist in the recovery of the chopped parts as he might be mentally ill.

“Due to the suspect’s unsound mind status, he could not remember where he had placed the chopped part,” the OCPD said.