Law enforcement officers in Kisii County have come to the rescue of an abandoned newborn.
This marks the third time an infant has been rescued from a latrine, with the latest incident occurring on Tuesday, December 5 in Kiango Sub-location.
In a statement, the National Police Service (NPS) said the infant boy was retrieved with the combined efforts of the police and vigilant members of the public.
The baby is currently receiving medical attention at Magena Level 3 Hospital and is reported to be in stable condition.
“For a third time this year, Police in Kisii with the help of members of the public have rescued 3 newborn infants from pit latrines after they were dumped by unknown persons, the latest being an infant boy that was retrieved on 05/12/2023 at Kiango Sub-location. The infant boy is undergoing treatment at Magena Level 3 Hospital in stable condition. The National Police Service reiterates its commitment to serve and to protect; and act in the best interest of the child,” NPS stated.
The NPS expressed the distressing pattern of infants being callously dumped into pit latrines by unknown individuals.
Infant rescued from drowning in Indian Ocean
This comes hot on the heels of another distressing incident where an 8-month-old baby was rescued after allegedly being thrown by her mother into the Indian Ocean at the Likoni Ferry crossing.
“Heroic intervention at the Likoni ferry crossing. An 8-month-old child, miraculously saved after a distressing incident in the Indian Ocean, is now safe at the Kenya Red Cross rescue centre. Thanks to swift action and our heartfelt gratitude to the rescue team,” Kenya Red Cross said.
A video shared on the internet by a local blogger captured the intense moments as coast guards braved the ocean to rescue the helpless baby.
Other compassionate bystanders were seen assisting in the rescue operation.
The Penal Code
Infanticide, as defined in the Penal Code, refers to the act of a mother causing the death of her child below 12 months.
In such cases, some women have faced severe consequences, including public lynching.
Section 210 of the Penal Code treats infanticide as manslaughter, and according to section 202, anyone causing the death of another person through an unlawful act or omission is guilty of this felony.
The punishment for infanticide aligns with that of manslaughter, carrying a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
However, some women get lucky and get shorter terms after courts associate the crime with Post-Partum Depression (PPD).
PPD is a mood or mental disorder that can affect some people after childbirth. It involves feelings of extreme sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion.
