- Three young children died after eating suspected poisoned food in Mlolongo.
- Their mother, Linet Munala, was arrested and is being held by the police.
- The incident happened inside a single-room house in the Phase 3 estate.
- Investigators are looking into possible family conflict before the tragedy.
Residents of Mlolongo Phase 3 are struggling to come to terms with a painful tragedy that unfolded inside their neighbourhood.
A quiet estate known for working families was thrown into deep shock after three children were found dead under disturbing circumstances.
Police confirmed the arrest of Linet Munala, a medical officer linked to Marie Stopes Kenya.
She was picked up on Monday from her home and is currently being held at Mlolongo Police Station as investigations continue.
According to early police findings, the incident took place inside the family’s single-room apartment.
Linet, said to be in her 30s, prepared porridge for her three children, who included a school-going child and a toddler.
Investigators believe a harmful substance had been mixed into the food. Soon after eating, the children became seriously ill. Despite attempts to help, all three later died.
Sources close to the case say detectives are examining a possible domestic disagreement that may have occurred earlier.
It is reported that Linet had received troubling information about her husband while he was away in Nairobi, which led to a tense phone conversation.
Police, however, say this remains part of ongoing inquiries, and no conclusions have been made.
When officers arrived at the house, they found signs of sudden disruption.
Children’s books, uniforms and household items were scattered around. Food had spilt, and a container suspected to have held the substance was found inside the room.
Rose Anami, the caretaker at Neema Plaza where the family lived, described the moment as heartbreaking.
She said the building is usually calm, with children often playing outside and neighbours living peacefully.
Many residents gathered quietly as news spread, some in tears, others unable to speak.
By Tuesday morning, the estate felt different.
Parents walked their children to school in silence, holding them closer than usual. One resident quietly asked how such news could even be explained to young children.
Machakos County authorities confirmed the deaths and assured the public that a full investigation is underway.
This includes background checks, family history review, and laboratory tests on the substance involved.
Formal charges will depend on postmortem results and forensic findings.
The children’s father returned from Nairobi after learning of the incident. Officials have not shared details about his statement, citing privacy and sensitivity.
The loss of three children at once has left the estate united in grief.
As Linet remains in custody, residents can only wait for clarity from investigators.
In a place filled with daily hustle and hope, the tragedy has left a lasting wound and a reminder of how silent struggles inside homes can end in unimaginable loss.
For now, Mlolongo mourns its youngest souls, hoping truth and justice will bring some measure of closure.
