Mother kills newborn child, hides body in bucket for three months

A 34-year-old woman killed her newborn child and kept the body in a bucket in her house for almost three months in Majengo slums, Kajiado Central Sub-County.

Felister Mumo is said to have given birth on July 16. She later killed the child and hid the body in her house.

Her daughter, a Class 7 pupil aged 14, said her mother threatened her if she disclosed the crime but, after the smell became unbearable, she reported the matter to the authorities.

Confirming the incident, Kajiado Central Sub-County police commander Daudi Loronyokwe (right) said the woman will be arraigned in court tomorrow as investigations continue. Detectives will request for 14 more days to detain the mother as they conclude investigations.

Mumo was arrested yesterday. Officers recovered the remains in the house. In a chilling narration, the Class Seven pupil tearfully told officers how she feared reporting the mother’s heinous act due to intimidation. “The girl said the house had become inhabitable due to the choking smell from under a bed,” police said.

Loronyokwe urged parents to seek help when they are not in a position to address their children’s issues instead of committing such acts.

“It is so unfortunate that such a young soul’s life has been ended by the person who ought to have taken care of it,” Loronyokwe said.

The bucket was covered with a polythene bag to keep out the foul smell. Shocked neighbours expressed anger over the beastly act.

“She carried the pregnancy successfully and I even saw the baby the day she gave birth. I’m shocked and disheartened. This is a shame to women,” wailed a neighbour.

Neighbours say the mother of two spent most of the day indoors, only stepping out occasionally. They said they don’t know what her means of eking a living was.