By Kamadi Amata

A newborn arrived into the world at Kithimani Law Court in Machakos County, just as a woman accused of her 19-month-old baby’s death was declared not guilty of murder.

Virginia Mbinya Maingi was taken into custody on March 25, 2024, in Kinyaata location, Machakos County, following the suspicious demise of her son. Charged with murder, she faced the court on March 27, 2024. The court ordered the heavily pregnant Virginia to remain in detention at Matuu police station, pending further investigation by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

On Monday, April 16, the accused stood before Principal Magistrate Paul Matanda, who acquitted her of the alleged murder of her son. Investigators, upon conducting a medical examination, determined that the infant had succumbed to starvation.

Moments after the acquittal, Virginia went into labor at the court premises, prompting court clerks to scramble in search of coverings. The court officers swiftly summoned nurses from the nearby Kithimani dispensary, who skillfully delivered Virginia’s baby girl.

Following stabilization, both mother and newborn were transported to Virginia’s rural home via a police vehicle from Matuu station.

Virginia was heavily pregnant at the time of her arrest.