A woman suspected to have attempted to kill her one-day-old baby after procuring an abortion in Mukuru Kwa Rueben slums were yesterday detained for seven days pending investigations.
Agatha Kerubo was remanded at Industrial police station alongside Jane Boyani, who conspired with her to procure the abortion.
Investigating officer Caroline Nentaya requested the court for seven days, saying the two were arrested on Monday and efforts to record statements are still underway “as the witnesses are spread across Nairobi county.”
“I need more time to take DNA samples that are yet to be taken from the baby and Kerubo, the mother , for comprehensive analysis to ascertain maternity”, she told the court.
The court was told that a empty bottle believed to have contained a herbal drug used to induce labour on Kerubo is yet to be taken to the Government Chemist for analysis.
Nentaya said the infant’s health was uncertain and it is still undergoing treatment at Mama Lucy Hospital in Kayole.
“The first respondent’s health is uncertain hence she needs specialised treatment at Mbagathi Hospital”, Nentaya told court.
The police also need time to take the suspects for mental assessment, she said . Makadara senior principal magistrate Angelo Kithinji granted police the application to conclude their investigations.The case will be mentioned on March 19.