By Stanley Mmasi and Benson Maina
An infant who had been abandoned in a thicket in Wiru, Maara Constituency, was rescued on Tuesday night after a concerned resident heard the baby crying and raised the alarm.
According to Karimi Rwigi, the Chief Officer for Children and Gender in Tharaka-Nithi County, the baby was discovered by a passerby who immediately informed the area chief. The chief, in turn, alerted the Officer Commanding Station (OCS), and a rescue operation was swiftly coordinated.
The baby was taken to a nearby hospital where medics confirmed the infant to be in stable condition.
“This child was left helpless in a bush, exposed to danger and the elements. Were it not for the quick action of a vigilant resident, the situation could have ended tragically,” said Ms. Rwigi during a press briefing at the hospital.
She further revealed that this is not an isolated incident. In the past two months alone, the county has recorded at least seven cases of abandoned infants, with only two of them found alive.
“This is the third reported case in recent weeks. Just last week, another child was recovered in Chuka under similar circumstances,” Ms. Rwigi said. “This alarming trend is deeply disturbing, and we are taking it very seriously.”
The Department of Children and Gender in Tharaka-Nithi County is now calling on residents to help stem the rising tide of child abandonment by remaining vigilant and reporting any suspicious cases.
Ms. Rwigi noted that some of the cases appear to involve mothers who hide pregnancies and then dispose of the newborns soon after delivery.
“If you know of someone who was recently pregnant and now there’s no sign of the baby, please come forward. We have a confidential hotline where you can report such matters,” she urged.
Ms. Rwigi was also quick to defend the reputation of Tharaka-Nithi County, emphasizing that such acts go against the values and spirit of the region.
“Tharaka-Nithi is known for peace, community development, and strong family values. It is unacceptable for our county to be associated with child abandonment or infanticide. We must work together as a community to stop this from becoming a norm,” she emphasized.
Authorities say investigations are underway to trace the mother of the rescued infant. If found, she may face legal consequences under child protection laws.
Meanwhile, the rescued baby remains under medical observation and will be handed over to the children’s department for further care and placement.
Residents are encouraged to report any cases of child abuse, neglect, or abandonment by contacting the Department of Children and Gender through the county hotline.