Kenyan Woman Refuses to Breastfeed 4-Month-Old Baby Unless Husband Pays Her Sh100,000

Police in Thika town have arrested a 25-year-old woman who allegedly refused to breastfeed her baby unless her husband pays her.

Faith Nyokabi reportedly abandoned her 4-month-old baby at her home in Kiganjo Estate about a week ago and refused to return unless she receives Sh100,000 from her husband, Charles Kiiri.

36-year-old Kirii who is casual labourer said he was informed on August 1st that his wife had fled and left the infant in the house. He rushed home and found the infant under the care of neighbors.

Neighbours said the woman took off immediately the husband left for work leaving the baby alone in the house.

Attempts by Kiiri to plead with her to return home and breastfeed the baby were futile. She told him that her mother had taken her to a local medical facility where a drug was administered on her to dry out the milk.

Nyokabi said she would only return to their home to breastfeed the baby if she gets Sh100,000 from Kiiri in cash. This forced Kiiri to seek help from Thika Children’s Offices.

Thika Children’s officer Lina Mwangi said the woman will be charged with child neglect and denying an infant protection and care contrary to the Children’s Act.