Two arrested over illegal abortion after foetus found in Marsabit village

Police in Marsabit have arrested two people in connection with an alleged illegal abortion after the body of a foetus was discovered in Malkalakore village, Drib-Gombo location.

The incident has shocked residents and raised fresh concerns about unsafe medical practices in remote areas.

The suspects are a 23-year-old woman and a 50-year-old man, who police say was operating as an unlicensed medical practitioner.

According to investigators, the woman is accused of procuring the illegal abortion, while the practitioner allegedly carried out the procedure at an unregistered clinic.

The case came to light after villagers reported finding a lifeless male foetus, estimated to be about six months old, wrapped in clothing and abandoned in the area.

Officers from Marsabit Police Station responded to the report, secured the scene and transferred the body to Marsabit Referral Hospital Mortuary for preservation and further examination.

“Members of the public alerted us to a very disturbing discovery, and we immediately launched investigations,” said a senior police officer involved in the case.

“Our officers acted swiftly to establish the circumstances under which the foetus was abandoned.”

Investigations led police to suspect, who had been seen heavily pregnant days earlier, but was no longer expectant and had no child.

During questioning, police say she admitted to being the mother of the foetus and directed officers to the premises where the abortion was allegedly performed.

At the suspected clinic, police found the second suspect operating without the required medical registration or licence.

A search of the premises uncovered assorted drugs and surgical equipment, some of which investigators believe had been recently used.

“The man was running a clinic illegally, posing a serious risk to members of the public,” the officer said.

“We recovered medical items that will be used as exhibits in court.”

Following her arrest, the woman was taken to Marsabit Referral Hospital for urgent medical attention before being discharged into police custody.

Both suspects were later escorted to Marsabit Police Station, where they are being held as detectives finalise investigations.

Police said the two are expected to be arraigned in court to face charges related to illegal abortion and operating an unlicensed medical facility.

Authorities have urged residents to seek medical services only from licensed health facilities and to report suspected illegal clinics.

“This incident is a painful reminder of the dangers of unsafe medical procedures,” the police officer warned.