Six-year-old son of prominent Dodoma businesswoman found dead in mysterious circumstances
The body of six-year-old Graison Kanyenye was discovered in a house with injuries to the neck. PHOTO | COURTESY.
What you need to know:
- Six-year-old Graison Kanyenye is alleged to have been fatally struck on the head with a heavy object during the night, while his mother was out.
Dodoma. The son of a prominent Dodoma businesswoman, known as Jojo, has been tragically killed in an incident that has shocked the local community.
Six-year-old Graison Kanyenye is alleged to have been fatally struck on the head with a heavy object during the night, while his mother was out.
The Dodoma Regional Police Commander, George Katabazi, confirmed that the child’s body was discovered inside a house with injuries to his neck.
The incident occurred at around 1:00 AM on December 25, 2024, at a residence in Bwawani Street, Ilazo Extension, owned by Hamis Mohamed, a Fisheries Officer from Mtera who is reported to be Jojo’s partner.
Commander Katabazi stated that Jojo and Hamis had gone out for the evening, leaving Graison in the care of Kelvin Gilbert, a bodaboda (motorcycle) operator known to the family through his transport services.
"Kelvin Gilbert was entrusted with the child’s care while Jojo and Hamis were away," Katabazi said. "However, upon their return at around 1:00 AM, they found Graison with fatal injuries to his forehead, inflicted by a heavy object, and wounds on his neck. Sadly, the child was pronounced dead at the scene."
Kelvin was not in the house when the couple returned but was later located outside the property. He has been taken into custody as investigations continue to determine the circumstances of the tragic incident.
In his preliminary statement to the police, Kelvin denied any involvement in the boy's death.
Commander Katabazi urged the public to ensure that children are only left under the care of trusted individuals to protect them from harm.
The tragic news has sparked an outpouring of grief and calls for swift action.
A neighbour, Munira Hassan, reported learning about the incident through a post on Jojo’s Instagram account, where she shared a photo of her son with the caption, “Rest in peace, my beautiful son,” accompanied by a heart emoji.
"The motive behind this heinous act remains unclear, but we call on the police to expedite their investigations and ensure those responsible are brought to justice," Munira said. "The child was innocent, and we all want to know what truly happened."
Reports of the boy's death began circulating in Dodoma yesterday morning, with many people learning of it through Jojo’s social media account, jojoladiespoint.
As of now, both Jojo and Hamis remain in police custody for further questioning, as the authorities work diligently to uncover the truth behind this devastating loss.
