Police in Kenya have arrested a 47-year-old man who, on Wednesday, September 16, conducted a botched abortion that led to the death of an 18-year-old girl.

The deceased, a Form Two student, had been taken to the suspect’s home by her parents. It is alleged that the suspect, Gilbert Olumasai, who is a quack doctor, has been aiding underage girls in the area to conduct abortions.

The deceased’s parents paid the suspect Ksh9,000 (K62,000) for the exercise, authorities say.

However, the Monday night exercise backfired after the 18-year-old girl, who was five months pregnant, bled to death at the suspect’s home.

The girls’ parents, thereafter, organised the transportation of their daughter’s body home. However, members of the public got to know about what had transpired, prompting one of the residents to file a report with area chief.

Shimanyiro Sub-Location assistant chief Geoffrey Ikutwa told K24 Digital that the suspect had “for long been conducting abortions in the area”.

“He has been arrested, and we are now investigating allegations that the abortion was sponsored by the girl’s parents, Anthony Mumakutu and Martha Bunyiwa. If true, they (parents) will also be arraigned,” said Ikutwa.

Kakamega Central OCPD, David Kabena, however, said that the trio will be charged with murder.

The body of the 18-year-old girl was taken to mortuary.