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Child hit by woman during New Year celebrations awaits surgery as police continue probe
Mary Njeri Makumi in court.
What you need to know:
- Court orders that Ms Makumi be held in police custody for nine days.
A Nairobi court was on Monday told that a seven-year-old girl who sustained serious head injuries after being hit by a glass during New Year celebrations is awaiting a head operation. The child is currently admitted at a city hospital.
Mary Njeri Makumi, who is accused of injuring the girl, was arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts in connection with the incident, which occurred at an entertainment joint near UAP Building in Upper Hill on New Year’s Eve.
The court heard that the child had accompanied relatives to the UAP Building area to usher in the New Year and watch fireworks.
According to police, the incident occurred at the height of the celebrations when the suspect, together with other revelers, climbed onto tables shouting, “Happy New Year, Happy New Year.”
Chaos
As the crowd sang and danced, the table on which the suspect stood collapsed, causing several people to fall onto adjacent tables, triggering chaos. Bottles and glasses on the tables shattered, sending debris in different directions.
Police Constable Felix Kigen told the court that a relative of the injured child questioned the suspect over the unruly behaviour.
“Without any provocation, Mary picked a glass and forcefully threw it towards the table where the minor was seated. The glass struck her on the head, seriously injuring her,” PC Kigen said while seeking a 21-day detention order.
The officer said the victim’s sister rushed to Capitol Hill Police Station to report the incident.
“Police rushed to the scene and found the victim bleeding profusely. She was escorted to Nairobi Hospital, where she was admitted in critical condition,” he said.
The court was further informed that investigators had visited the hospital and confirmed that the child remains under medication as she awaits surgery.
Mr Kigen urged the court to grant the 21 days sought to allow police to complete investigations and record witness statements.
Opposing the application, Ms Makumi told the court that she was also assaulted during the melee by revelers attending the fireworks display. She asked the court to reduce the detention period, citing family responsibilities, including preparing her siblings for school.
In a brief ruling, the magistrate said police had presented sufficient evidence to warrant custodial detention.
The court partially allowed the application and ordered that Ms Makumi be held in police custody for nine days.
“You will be detained to allow police to continue investigations and record statements from witnesses,” the magistrate ruled.
