Kenyan toddler saved from custodial placement in Indonesia after mother’s detention

The State Department says the child arrived safely at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) early Saturday morning, accompanied by a Diaspora Affairs officer, Grace Akello. He was received by officials, including Felister Kebati, Shukri Sirat and Florence Wangari.

The toddler was then handed over to his grandmother, witnessed by the child's aunt.

The State Department for Diaspora Affairs says it collaborated with the Kenya Mission in Jakarta and covered the repatriation costs to prevent the child from being placed in state care abroad.

"Under Indonesian law, an infant must remain with the mother for a specific period. If no family member claims custody after that period, the child is placed into a children's home in the host country," the department explained in a statement.

Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu commended all state and non-state agencies involved in the child's safe return and reunion with family.