Newborn rescued from toilet in Kagio, Kirinyaga County

A newborn baby girl has been rescued from a 15-foot-deep toilet in Kagio town, Mwea-West sub-county, Kirinyaga County, after being dumped by her mother.

The mother, 21-year-old Jecinta Wangeci, initially denied involvement but later admitted to throwing the baby into the toilet, citing the high cost of living as the reason behind her actions.

"When the police arrived, she first denied throwing the baby into the toilet, but after speaking with a police officer politely, she admitted to the act," Mwathi recounted.

According to Stephen Wachira, the Kagio-C village in charge, the incident was reported by a man who had gone to answer the call of nature. He then alerted neighbours and the landlord.

Gilbert Mwathi, the landlord’s son, received a call from a tenant about a crying child in the toilet.

"I couldn’t believe it. I called the village in charge, who then contacted Kirinyaga Chief Lucy Wanjugu and police officers from Kiamaciri police station. They arrived immediately," Mwathi said.

Police and residents took about 15 minutes to rescue the baby, who was then taken to Sagana Sub-County Hospital for treatment. She was later transferred to Kerugoya County Referral Hospital.

Wachira expressed concern, saying, "Jecinta Wangeci had been living with her sister in this rented house. We do not understand why she decided to throw the newborn into the toilet."

Wangeci is currently nursing the baby at Kerugoya Hospital before further interrogation.

Samuel Warui, a cobbler in Kagio town, shared his relief, saying, "I decided to enter the toilet to help the newborn. I’m happy I rescued her and that she’s now receiving care at the hospital."