A Ugandan being tried in connection with the miracle babies saga broke into tears of joy yesterday when the Government dropped child theft charges against her.
Mrs Myriam Nyeko, who lives in Britain, wept as she addressed journalists outside the Nairobi chief magistrate’s court, where she has been on trial since August. And soon after, she rang her church leader, Bishop Gilbert Deya, in London to break the news to him.
Mrs Nyeko was arrested alongside Mrs Mary Deya and Mrs Rose Kiserem soon after the media broke the “miracle babies” story.
The Ugandan had denied stealing baby Daniel Omilo at Huruma Estate, Nairobi, in February.
But she faces another count – that, jointly with Archbishop Deya, his wife and Mrs Kiserem – she stole another child named Naomi Deya at Pumwani Maternity Hospital, Nairobi.
Yesterday prosecutor William Kemboi said the file was taken to the deputy public prosecutor in October for advice.
“After considering the facts, he has come to the conclusion that the case should be terminated,” the prosecutor said.
Defence lawyers Kiraithe Wandungi and Cliff Ombeta said they were surprised by the termination as they were prepared to go on to the end.
Mr Wandungi asked the court to order the baby returned to Mrs Nyeko, together with her passport and other travel documents.
Mr Kemboi said the State did not intend to charge her again and that police would return all her documents.
Mrs Nyeko maintained the child belonged to her. “It’s absurd that the baby was taken from me by the police whereas I don’t even know where Huruma is,” she said.
She said all she wanted was to fly back to London and was glad that justice had finally been done.
It was the second case related to the miracle babies saga that the State has terminated since the controversy broke out.
Last month, the attorney-general dropped charges against Mr Michael Odera and his wife Eddah of stealing baby Christopher Ihugo Mbugua at Njoro’s Njokerio farm, Nakuru District.
They were alleged to have stolen Christopher on January 21, 2000.
