Mother Throws Child Into Indian Ocean, Swift Response Averts Tragedy

The swift actions of coast guards and other individuals have led to the rescue of an eight-month-old baby who was thrown into the Indian Ocean by her mother.

According to the Kenya Red Cross, the child has been successfully rescued and is undergoing specialized medical treatment at their rescue facility. A video that is being widely shared on social media displays the instant when rescuers, outfitted with life jackets, swiftly jumped into the ocean to save the baby. The incident has caused outrage among Kenyans who are demanding accountability for the parent’s actions.

“An 8-month-old child, miraculously saved after a distressing incident in the Indian Ocean, is now safe at the Kenya Red Cross Rescue Center. Thanks to swift action and our heartfelt gratitude to the rescue team,” the statement by Kenya Red Cross reads in part.

In Kenya, the law stipulates that individuals above 14 years who cause the death of a child can be sentenced to life imprisonment. This incident serves as a stark reminder of recent events, particularly the distressing case of a mother who was prosecuted in 2021 and received a life sentence for the deliberate killing of her five children through drowning.

Upon the confirmation of her diagnosis of severe psychosis and postpartum depression, it was disclosed during the recent court proceedings that her partner had pressured her into having children despite her psychiatrist’s warning about her postpartum state. Experts in counselling, medicine, and psychology highly recommend seeking help when confronting mental health difficulties. If you require support, don’t hesitate to contact the Kenya Red Cross toll-free helpline at 1199.