A 31-year-old woman from Ngelani village in Mitaboni, Kathiani, Machakos County is battling for her life in hospital after allegedly ingesting poison in an attempted suicide — shortly after feeding the same substance to her three-year-old daughter, who died.

According to witnesses, the mother and child were rushed to a local chemist after relatives found the woman writhing in pain and vomiting a black substance. She had reportedly confessed that she and her daughter had consumed a poisonous chemical.

Tragically, the child died while being attended to at the chemist. The woman, however, survived and was admitted to hospital in critical condition.

Police have since moved the child’s body to the morgue as investigations into the disturbing incident continue.

Authorities say the motive behind the poisoning is yet to be established. However, detectives confirmed that the woman will likely face murder charges once she recovers.

This heartbreaking case adds to the rising concerns about mental health struggles and domestic-related tragedies in Kenya.