Kobi Macharia Dooly, the four-year-old son of Waterford man Ben Dooly, died after suffering knife injuries on Wednesday, December 20.
Keziah Macharia, 41, of Montague Road in Hackney appeared in custody at Thames Magistrates’ Court on Friday, December 22 charged with the murder of her son, four-year-old Kobi Macharia Dooly, Metropolitan Police in the UK said on Friday.
She was remanded in custody and is set to appear at the Old Bailey on Thursday, December 28.
A special post-mortem is scheduled to take place on Thursday, December 28.
Metropolitan Police said an investigation was launched after police were called to an address in Montague Road, Hackneky just before 11 pm on Wednesday following concerns for the welfare of a child.
Kobi, police said, was found suffering knife injuries. He was taken to hospital for treatment but subsequently died from his injuries.
Kobi's father Ben Dooly is originally from Tramore in Co Waterford but has lived in the UK for many years. He was reportedly working outside London when the fatal incident occurred.
Ben and Kobi's Waterford-based relatives issued a statement on Friday via RTÉ: "With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to Kobi, you will be so dearly missed.
"The joy and laughter you brought to the world has been taken from us far too soon.
"We will be thinking of you day and night for eternity till we meet you again.
"The family would like to acknowledge and appreciate all messages of support. Please respect our family privacy at this very difficult time."
Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs has said that it is aware of the case and providing consular assistance.
The Irish Independent reports that Kobi's grandparents have arrived in the UK from Ireland to be with Ben.
According to the PA, Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway said: “This is an extremely distressing incident which will understandably cause shock and disbelief amongst the local community and those who attended the scene.
“We are working with our partners, including Hackney Council and the school community, to ensure support is there for people who need it.
“Specialist officers from our homicide team are progressing this investigation and continue to work to establish the circumstances of this young child’s death, and the events that led up to it.
“This incident occurred within the home and, while there is no wider public safety risk, additional officers will be present in the area as we recognise the impact this will have on the community.”
A neighbor told the UK Independent that Kobi was a "kind, happy child" who was always riding his scooter or his bike.
"He was an energetic, friendly, and polite child. He was always very playful with my 4-year-old son," the neighbor said.
"We heard screaming when the police broke the door.
"Even the police came out crying. When they saw us they had to try and pull it back together. They tried to but they couldn’t."
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