By Ernest Bandi
A family in Nandi County is grappling with grief and disbelief after their four-day-old baby girl mysteriously disappeared from Kapsabet County Referral Hospital, sparking public outrage and renewed fears over suspected child trafficking operations in the region.
The infant, born on Sunday at the hospital to a teenage mother, went missing on the day the mother was preparing for discharge. What began as a seemingly routine process ended in tragedy when the newborn vanished without a trace.
According to the baby’s grandmother, Chepkoech Singok, the ordeal began with instructions from a man she believed to be a doctor. “He told us to go to the children’s clinic. When we got there, a woman was following me. Then the doctor said, ‘Take this child and hand him to this woman,’” she recounted.
Despite her initial refusal, the man continued to pressure her to hand over the infant, reassuring her that they were simply going to collect medicine. Under growing confusion and coercion, Chepkoech eventually complied. Together, they walked toward the hospital gate.
“At the gate, where the watchman was, the doctor asked if I knew where to collect the medicine. I told him to write it down. He did, then pointed out where to go. I went to pick up the medicine. When I came back, there was no baby,” Chepkoech said, breaking into tears. “Oh! My grandchild has been stolen.”
The incident has triggered a wave of concern and condemnation from the family, human rights activists, and the local community, many of whom now believe the disappearance may be linked to a broader child theft syndicate.
Hospital officials have distanced themselves from the incident, claiming it occurred outside their jurisdiction. However, the public is demanding accountability and thorough investigations, with calls growing louder for the Ministry of Health and law enforcement to intervene.
Human rights advocates have urged the police to act swiftly, arguing that the hospital’s explanation raises more questions than answers. “This is not just a family tragedy—it is a wake-up call. We need to uncover what is really happening inside and around our public health institutions,” said a local activist who spoke on condition of anonymity.
As investigations continue, the Singok family is pleading for help to locate their missing child and bring those responsible to justice.
“We just want our baby back,” Chepkoech said through tears.
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