Machakos Tragedy: Woman Throws Daughter From Sixth Floor in Mlolongo

A shocking incident in Mlolongo, Machakos County, has left residents in disbelief after a 30-year-old woman allegedly killed her nine-year-old daughter in a bizarre murder and suicide attempt.

The Incident in Mlolongo

According to police reports and witnesses, the woman threw her daughter from the sixth floor of an apartment block on Thursday evening, August 21. The young girl died instantly after hitting the ground.

The woman then attempted to push her second child, a four-year-old girl, from the same spot. The child survived but sustained serious injuries.

In a desperate move, the woman later attempted to take her own life by jumping off the building. She, however, survived the fall but was left with multiple injuries.

Police and Witness Accounts

Tenants in the building, identified as witnesses, said the woman—known as Mueni—was seen climbing to the rooftop with her two daughters before tragedy struck.

“She pushed the older one first. The child landed on the ground and died instantly,” a neighbor recounted.

Police officers and emergency responders rushed to the scene, rescuing the woman and her younger daughter. Both were taken to hospital in critical condition.

The body of the nine-year-old was later moved to the mortuary pending autopsy and further investigations.

Motive Still Unknown

Police say the motive behind the shocking act remains unclear. Investigations are ongoing to establish why the mother committed the act.

The woman is currently admitted to hospital under police guard. Authorities say she could face charges of murder and attempted murder once discharged.

Second Case: Student Dies by Suicide in Kiambu

In a separate tragic incident, a Form Three student at Kiambu Township Secondary School was found dead in an apparent suicide.

Police confirmed that the teenage girl was discovered hanging from a tree on a farm in Kiambu Town on Thursday.

Family members revealed that the student had been battling bipolar disorder and had attempted suicide twice before. She was also scheduled for a follow-up clinic at Mathare Mental Hospital.

Her body was moved to the mortuary for postmortem examination.

Rising Cases of Suicide in Kenya

Police say suicide cases in Kenya are rising at an alarming rate, with at least two cases reported daily across the country.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), suicide cases are often linked to factors such as:

• Joblessness and financial hardship
• Academic failure and exam pressure
• Mental health challenges such as depression and bipolar disorder
• Family disputes and relationship breakdowns
• Alcoholism and substance abuse
• Bullying and social isolation

Calls for Action on Mental Health

Mental health experts have repeatedly called for urgent interventions to address the growing crisis. Awareness campaigns, counseling services, and community support are being pushed as critical solutions.

Police are urging families and communities to be vigilant, to support individuals struggling with mental health issues, and to report worrying behavior before it escalates.