Marsabit: Four family members arrested in shocking murder of newborn twins

According to Dukana Assistant County Commissioner (ACC) Nazarin Njuki, the twins—a boy and a girl—are believed to have died from suffocation on Monday night, barely a day after their mother was discharged from the hospital.

"The twins were born on Sunday in perfect health, and the mother was discharged on Monday," Njuki stated.

Concerns were raised after the area chief received a tip-off from locals, leading to fears of foul play. When the chief contacted the father, he claimed the twins were fine. However, further inquiries revealed the tragic truth.

Speaking to Citizen Digital, ACC Njuki confirmed the case is being treated as homicide, and police have identified the four family members as the main suspects. Authorities have sought court orders to exhume the bodies for further investigation, while a post-mortem will clarify the exact cause of death.

During initial questioning, the mother denied any involvement in the killings. ACC Njuki linked the deaths to a traditional belief within the Gabra community, which views firstborn twins as a bad omen for the family.

Police are guarding the burial site as the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) prepares to take over the case. The mother has been returned to the hospital for intensive counseling and psychological support.

A visibly shaken ACC Njuki condemned the cultural practice, urging the community to abandon harmful traditions.

"Such retrogressive beliefs have no place in modern society. We must value human life above outdated cultural practices," Njuki said.