Six-week-old baby born out of a relationship between cousins saved from Kakamega elders who wanted it dead

A baby born out of an incestuous relationship was saved from death in Kakamega County. The six-week-old baby was to be killed by elders for ritual cleansing.

The baby was born by a 15-year old standard seven pupil who was impregnated by her cousin. The pupil was lured into the incestuous relationship by her cousin who fled after learning about her pregnancy.

The child’s grandmother said neighbours and relatives had advised her to leave the baby at a hospital or a public place. She however decided to take it home with her.

Elders convene a meeting

Elders in Mavaka village in Lugari unanimously agreed the baby should be killed after they held a meeting. The elders said the baby invites bad omens to their families. Incest is considered a taboo in the area, it is believed any baby born out of it cannot live

The baby was still in the care of its grandmother when Matete children’s officer Jackson Murunga went to its rescue. The officer got wind of the plan to kill the baby and decided to take it with him.

The Matete children’s officer said he would take the baby to an orphanage.