New home sought for Kenyan 'miracle' babyBy REBECCA OKWANY in Mombasa | Monday, May 21   2012 at  09:05

The search is on for a suitable home for a Kenyan baby who was mauled by dogs two months ago after her mother allegedly dumped her in a forest.

Baby Malaika as she is fondly known came into the national limelight after she was rescued from the bush by a herdsman.

Malaika means "angel" in the local Kiswahili language.

She has fully recovered after a two month stay at the Coast Provincial General Hospital, doctors say.

Two months ago Baby Malaika had her arm amputated.

She also underwent reconstructive surgery to her face after she was mauled by dogs in a forest where she had been dumped by her mother.

A possible home for her is Mji Wa Usalama, an orphanage in the country's coastal city of Mombasa which has indicated it wants to take her in.

On Friday, Mombasa District children’s officer George Migosi said he was disappointed that only one home had volunteered to take care of the baby.

“Others are reluctant, saying she would be difficult to care for,” he said.

Danger

The matron at the children’s ward, Mrs Amina Ali, confirmed that Malaika has healed completely.

“We are waiting for notification from the Department of Social Services indicating where she would be going,” said Mrs Ali on Sunday.

She said Malaika’s continued stay at the hospital would not be good for her as she may contract communicable diseases.

Meanwhile, Mr Migosi appealed to parents not to abandon their children and instead take them to the Children’s Office where adoption arrangements can be made.

“Instead of abandoning and exposing your child to danger, bring him or her to our offices and we will find a home for him or her. No one will arrest you for doing that,” he said.

He added that most childless couples visit their offices in search for abandoned babies.

Baby Malaika’s mother, Ms Grace Mwadziwe Mwinga, is in remand at Shimo la Tewa in Mombasa.