Jacinta Ndunge, the baby's mother. [Photo|citizen digital]
The mother of the 10- month old baby whom the doctors removed 13 sewing needles at Thika Level 5 Hospital was on Monday arrested by the police.
Doctors detected 14 needles but removed only 13 revealing that the removal of the remaining one was too risky for the baby since it had penetrated the skin.
Jacinta Ndunge, the mother's baby was taken in to record a statement as investigations into the surprising incident begin.
After the baby was discharged today, was taken to Macheo Children's Home by Thika Sub-county Children’s department officers.
According to Rebecca Kariuki, Thika Sub-county, the case was reported to their offices three weeks ago but they chose not to act until the baby was treated.“The mother is the only one who can give us information if it is child abuse and since she is not ready to talk then we are taking the child. We will also rescue her other two children who are also minors,” said Kariuki, adding that they are suspecting a case of child abuse.
However, the mother has since of being unaware of how the needles were lodged in the baby's body.“I even don’t know what happened. Even if you arrest me now there is nothing I know. I just knew of the needles when I was applying jelly on my baby. The father is at home and he is surprised too,” said the 30-year-old mother.