Probe as infant dies after falling ill in police custody following mother’s arrest in Yatta, Machakos

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority joined a probe into an incident where an infant died after reportedly falling ill while in police custody following the arrest of the child’s mother in Yatta Subcounty in Machakos county.

According to the police, the mother, who is aged 18, was arrested on the evening of April 17, 2026, at Mamba Market in Ndalani Location over claims of drug trafficking.

Police said a team of police were acting on a tip-off linking her to the alleged trafficking of narcotic drugs suspected to be cannabis sativa. She was taken into custody together with her five-month-old baby.

A search conducted at the time of arrest allegedly led to the recovery of several items, including two brooms of bhang, approximately 250 grams of bhang seedlings, rolling papers, as well as assorted National Youth Service (NYS) items such as boots, uniforms, and a beret.

Hours later, on the morning of April 18, at around 5 am, the suspect reportedly alerted officers that her baby was unwell.

The officer in charge at the post informed senior officers at Yatta Police Station, prompting immediate action.

The infant was rushed to Matuu Level IV Hospital for treatment, but died while receiving medical care.

The circumstances surrounding the child’s illness and death have not yet been fully disclosed, and it remains unclear whether the infant had any prior medical condition.

Authorities are expected to launch further investigations into the incident, including the cause of death, even as the case against the suspect proceeds.

The incident raises fresh concerns about the welfare of minors held in custody alongside their guardians, particularly in cases involving young children.

A team of police officers from Machakos and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority visited the station as part of the probe into the death.

Other human rights officials demanded an explanation on the death of the minor, arguing there was a need to release the child and mother pending arraignment.

Cases of deaths in custody have been on the rise amid calls for police authorities to be cautious when handling suspects in general.

IPOA officials said they will, among others, recommend how to handle such cases where mothers are detained with their minors.

Police facilities in the country lack the capacity to handle such situations.

Mothers with their minors are at times held with other suspects, which exposes the children to other dangers.