Woman Arrested in Molo After Newborn Body Found in Pit Latrine

Mercy Chepkurui, 33, has been arrested in Molo, Nakuru County, after the body of a newborn was found in a pit latrine in Block Ten village.

Chepkurui, originally from Transmara in Narok South, had recently moved to the area after separating from her husband and leaving behind her six children. Reports indicate she faced severe hardship, struggling to find stable housing and employment. 

She survived on occasional farm labour and assistance from neighbours. A short period of stability came when she secured work as a caretaker on a local farm, during which she reportedly entered a new relationship and became pregnant. 

The circumstances surrounding the infant’s death, however, remain unclear. Concerns were first raised when residents suspected Chepkurui had given birth but no child was seen. These suspicions were reported to local authorities, leading to an investigation. 

On 11 August, Kaptunga Chief Cornelious Bett led a search party comprising police and villagers. The team discovered the infant’s body in a pit latrine, a finding the chief described as profoundly distressing.

Chepkurui is currently in police custody and undergoing psychiatric evaluation. According to Molo Sub-County Police Commander Timon Odingo, authorities are considering charges of either infanticide or murder, depending on the outcome of ongoing investigations.