A tragic incident has shocked residents of Mlolongo, Machakos County, after a 30-year-old woman threw her two young daughters from the sixth floor of their apartment, killing one and leaving the other seriously injured.
According to initial reports, the woman, identified by neighbors only as Mueni, went to the top floor of the building with her two daughters on Thursday evening before pushing them off one by one. The nine-year-old girl died instantly after hitting the ground, while her four-year-old sister survived but sustained critical injuries.
Moments later, the woman attempted to take her own life by jumping from the same spot. She survived the fall but suffered severe injuries and was rushed to hospital under police guard. Both she and the surviving daughter remain hospitalized in serious condition.
The motive behind the disturbing act remains unclear. Neighbors described the scene as horrifying, with screams drawing tenants and passersby to witness the unfolding tragedy. Some residents quickly rushed to rescue the surviving child and the mother, who were later taken to a nearby hospital.
The body of the deceased child has since been moved to the mortuary, pending a post-mortem examination. Authorities have confirmed that the mother will face charges of murder and attempted murder once she recovers enough to appear in court.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident in Kiambu Town, a secondary school student was found dead after taking her own life. The Form Three student’s body was discovered hanging from a tree on a farm near her home. Relatives revealed that the teenager had been battling bipolar disorder and had previously attempted suicide twice before. She was due for a medical review at Mathare Mental Hospital but did not make it to her next appointment.
Police have expressed concern over the rising number of suicide cases across the country. Reports indicate that up to two cases are being recorded daily. Mental health experts warn that factors such as joblessness, financial struggles, relationship challenges, academic pressures, and untreated mental illnesses like depression and bipolar disorder are fueling the trend.
The twin tragedies highlight the urgent need for stronger mental health awareness, community support systems, and accessible counseling services to prevent more families from experiencing such devastating losses.
