The suspect, who is well known to the family, had been left with the baby by her grandmother when he turned against her and caused severe injuries on her private parts.
Maralal OCPD Abaggarro Guyo said the suspect is currently detained at Maralal police station as investigations continue.
“We received information that there is a young man who defiled a baby he had been left with in a house. We have detained the suspect here for interrogation and further investigations, as doctors examine the nature of harm caused to the baby,” he said.
The victim was immediately rushed to Samburu County Referral Hospital, where she is undergoing treatment.
Duke Mogaka, a doctor at the hospital, said the incident left the baby with a severe injury on her private parts, as the suspect tried to penetrate her.
“The baby was bleeding on her private parts when she was admitted. We have assessed her and recommended reconstructive surgery to restore the muscles that had been torn during sodomy,” Mogaka said.
Dr Mogaka said tests showed the baby was not infected with diseases during the defilement.
Guyo cautioned residents against leaving their children under the care of strangers.
“Don’t leave children to suspicious young men whose behavior is not clear. If possible, look for a young woman or a mother,” he advised.
He said the suspects will be taken to court as soon as police are through with their investigations.