A family living in Murinduko ward, Mwea East sub-county , Kirinyaga County, is in mourning after their 5-year-old son was fatally hit by a police vehicle.

According to the boy's mother Purity Wangechi, he was returning home from school on Friday when the accident occurred along Difathas -Togonye road.

"I was informed about the accident by his grandmother who told me my child was rushed to Kimbimbi sub-county hospital by the driver of the police vehicle," she said.

The boy's grandmother, Mellyn Wambui, said her grandson was very obedient and was still trying to process what had happened.

The driver of the vehicle assigned to Itangi police station is said to have initially taken the boy to Difatha health centre but was advised to transfer him to Kimbimbi sub-county hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The family is calling for justice.

Confirming the incident, Mwea-East sub-county Police commander Mohammed Jarson said police have launched investigations.

"It is unfortunate. We promise the family will get justice," he said.

The boy's body was taken to Kibugi Funeral Home Kutus awaiting a postmortem.