Woman Arrested Over Alleged Murder and Disposal of Toddler in Pit Latrine

A tragic incident in Nyeri County has shocked residents after a toddler was allegedly killed by a close family member in a disturbing turn of events.

According to reports shared by NTV Kenya, the victim, identified as one-year-eight-month-old Mary Wanjiru Muhinja, was allegedly murdered by her cousin, Linet Wangechi.

Authorities say the suspect later confessed to the crime, claiming she threw the child into a pit latrine following a dispute over sugarcane.

Community Trauma and Disbelief

Police sources indicate that the incident occurred within a family compound, deepening the shock among community members who described the act as both unimaginable and heartbreaking.

Officers who responded to the scene recovered the child’s body from the pit latrine after an intensive search.

Speaking to the media, a resident said, “We are still in disbelief. How can someone harm such an innocent child over something so small? This is painful for all of us.”

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Child Protection and Advocacy

Law enforcement officials confirmed that the suspect is currently in custody and assisting with investigations.

“The suspect confessed to committing the act, and we are handling the matter as a homicide case,” a local police officer stated. “We urge the public to remain calm as investigations continue.”

Members of the community expressed profound shock, with several residents saying the incident was difficult to comprehend given the young age of the victim and the minor nature of the alleged dispute.

Others described the act as heartbreaking, noting that the loss of such a young life has left the entire area mourning.

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Child protection advocates, reacting to the incident, stressed that the case underscores the urgent need to safeguard children within domestic environments.

They warned that children remain highly vulnerable and called for greater awareness around conflict resolution within families.

Authorities have since moved the child’s body to a local mortuary as investigations continue, with police urging the public to remain calm and allow due process to take its course.

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Photo of police land cruiser. PHOTO/Nairobi Leo