A baby has been offered a second chance at life. He was reportedly dumped in a pit toilet in Kwa Ng’ombe-Imenti but was rescued a short time later.
Susan Kathambi told to BaiteTv that she had arrived the day before to attend a funeral at their family home following the death of one of their own.
“My nephew came running out of the latrine this morning and told us that a baby was crying in there.
“I was surprised because I thought it was my grandchild. I was relieved but shocked to find that it was another baby.
“I asked my nephew to notify the neighbors, and when they arrived, the latrine slab was removed and one person got inside using a ladder. The baby was rescued alive and washed by one of the women.
“The baby’s umbilical cord was left untied, so I went to get a string and tie it. I implore young parents to take good care of their children because they never know what could become of them.
Whoever threw the baby in the latrine should have considered other options, such as leaving it in the compound or in the kitchen.
“With another misfortune having happened the day before, I wondered who might have brought this on us, she said.
Another resident, James Kimathi, strongly urged the media to look into the situation and keep the residents updated.
“It’s a good thing I found the baby on its back before rescuing him. Worms had started to cover his eyes, nose, and mouth, but I’m glad he got bathed, ” he said.
Naomi Gacheri, Chief, Mbirikene location told BaiteTv that she got a phone call from a teacher named Martine Gitonga informing her of an incident in their neighborhood.
“The baby had been pulled out of the latrine alive by the time I arrived, but he was filthy. I appreciate the women cleaning the boy.
“We took the baby to Kiburine hospital for treatment to be attended to the umbilical cord. We then went to the Giaki police station.
“We were given an O.B number at Giaki police station and then went to Giaki-Level 5 hospital, where the baby was given milk and clean clothes.
“I’d like to express my gratitude to the hospital staff for caring for the boy,” she said.
Another resident, Lucy Kigetu, said that she used to see it on the tv, but was surprised to witness the incident.
“If young parents or women feel they can’t handle the burden of raising their children, I encourage them to leave the babies on people’s doors or to relevant authorities,” she said.
Another resident, Eunice Nkatha told BaiteTV that the baby weighed 4 kilograms and the latrine was 20 feet deep.
Susan Kiriinya, another resident said: “The latrine where the baby was thrown belonged to a family grieving the loss of one of their own.
“I strongly advise the government to intervene and apprehend the perpetrator. We intend to take the child to a children’s home and then register him with social services,” she said.
