Reason Why Woman Dunked 8-month Old Baby into the Indian Ocean at Likoni Ferry Crossing

A woman was arrested Sunday afternoon for throwing her eight-month-old baby into the Indian Ocean at Mombasa County’s Likoni Ferry crossing.

The woman who was found to be suffering manic depression was established to be deaf and dumb. She tossed the baby into the water as MV Kwale, which was heading to the mainland from the island, docked at the wharf to load passengers.

Earlier on Likoni OCPD Geoffrey Hurein confirmed that the woman could neither speak nor hear. She appeared calm and even jovial as the ferry passengers bustled around her.

“The child has been rescued and taken to Ferry police station where her mother is being interrogated. We are waiting for someone to help us in interpretation as she can not speak nor hear” the police officer said.

She later indicated desperation at taking care of a child in her mute condition and had decided that since the cost of living had gone up beyond her ability it was safer for the child to be dead.

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The child was rescued by divers who swiftly swam into the ocean.

“[She] was rushed for first aid at the Red Cross Centre, treated and discharged in fair condition and her mother taken to the police station for interrogation,” reads a report filed at the Ferry Police Station.

Videos circulated widely online showed passengers helping the divers rescue the infant from the water.