Man Arrested in Kasarani After Allegedly Throwing Niece, 5, to Her Death

Residents of Jacaranda Gardens estate in Kasarani, Nairobi are in mourning following the death of five-year-old Amanda Mutheu, who was allegedly thrown from a second-floor apartment balcony by her uncle on Wednesday night. 

The Nairobi Police Department has confirmed the suspect is in custody, with the Makadara Law Courts granting investigators 17 days to continue their inquiries. The motive for the alleged crime remains under investigation. According to Peter Ijono, a security guard at the estate, Amanda was seen playing with her uncle earlier in the evening. 

Witnesses reported observing the pair engaged in playful activities, including skating, with the uncle offering the child a small sum of money as encouragement.

Later in the evening, disturbances were heard emanating from Block C4, where Amanda's mother resides. Ijono stated he initially believed objects were being thrown from the apartment. He then heard the suspect shout, "I am coming down there for you," before allegedly jumping from the balcony and landing on the child. 

Ijono intervened, finding Amanda unresponsive but still breathing, with visible signs of injury. A neighbour, who requested anonymity, reported the community's disbelief upon realising the gravity of the situation. The neighbour covered Amanda, checked for a pulse, and found her breathing shallowly. The neighbour then coordinated efforts to transport her to Kenyatta University Referral Hospital. Amanda was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

Eyewitness testimony indicates that prior to the incident, the suspect forcefully entered the apartment, assaulting Amanda and her nanny. The nanny, attempting to escape the assault, fled, leaving Amanda briefly unattended. At that time, the suspect allegedly threw the child from the balcony, later following and continuing the assault.

A post-mortem examination has revealed that Amanda died from head injuries sustained from both the fall and further trauma inflicted afterwards. The findings confirmed the neighbour's account and indicate the violent intent behind the attack.