Woman denies selling her newborn baby

A file photo of Migori Police Station. PHOTO | VIVERE NANDIEMO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

A woman was on Tuesday evening charged in a Migori court with selling her three-week old baby.

Dorcas Kemunto, 23, pleaded guilty of ‘giving out’ her baby boy to another woman identified in court as Penina Kerubo.

Ms Kerubo denied buying the baby.

The prosecutor Kimandu Waithanju said the accused neglected her duties as a parent by giving her baby boy away.

Ms Kemunto, a single mother, was arrested by police officers in Wasweta village, Suna West after they were tipped by area chief Silvance Gibore.

Ms Kerubo, 60, said she was given the baby as a free gift by Ms Kemunto who was not in a position to raise the child, the chief said.

"According to the woman who allegedly bought the baby, the young mother  does not have a stable job and that’s why she decided to take the child," Mr Gibore said.

Residents say the woman allegedly sold the baby for Sh6,000 to the elderly woman who was to nurse it and then sell it to other 'buyers'.

However, Ms Kemunto refuted the claims, saying that she only gave out the baby because she was unable to take care of him.

"I did not sell my baby. I was unable to take care of him and decided to give him out to someone who was willing to take care of him," said Ms Kerubo.

According to Mr Gibore the old woman is not economically well off to take care of the child.

"She is poor and elderly. How can she take care of the child?" he asked.

The accused was remanded until March 19 when the case will be heard.

The child was taken to The Good Samaritan Children’s Home in Migori town.