Siaya: 19-year-old woman arrested after dumping newborn baby in pit latrine

A 19-year-old woman is being held at Bar-Kalare Police Post in Gem, Siaya County, after she was arrested for dumping her newborn baby in a pit latrine at Onding’ B village.

According to East Gem location Chief George Odhiambo Salala, the incident was discovered by a villager who had gone to answer a call of nature in the pit latrine, only to hear a baby crying.

She then raised alarm before the owner of the home mobilized neighbours and together they managed to rescue the infant while still alive.

In the event, the neighbours alerted police who swiftly mounted a search for Brenda Akiru, who was suspected to have committed the act. She was nabbed and taken into police custody to assist with investigations.

While confirming the incident, Mr. Odhiambo stated that the infant was taken to Siaya County Referral Hospital for medication and care as probe continues into the matter.