The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) is demanding answers from the National Police Service (NPS) after reports of a pregnant woman suffering a miscarriage at seven months while in police custody.
In a statement on Thursday, June 12, the commission called for prompt investigations into the matter, accountability, and, ultimately, gender-responsive policing reforms to deter recurrence.
"A pregnant woman allegedly suffered a miscarriage while in police custody—an unconscionable tragedy that demands answers. The Commission calls for immediate investigation, accountability, and gender-responsive policing reforms," part of the statement read.
NGEC highlighted the importance of having systems that safeguard pregnant mothers in custody, emphasising that maternal health was a right that needed protecting.
To achieve this, the commission called for mandatory training of police officers on how to handle similar cases to minimise casualties in police custody.
"Pregnancy should be protected, even behind bars. Maternal health must never be collateral damage in law enforcement processes," the statement read in part.
"Enough is enough. We must sensitise police officers—with data, training & empathy—on the rights of special interest groups. Fairness. Accountability. Dignity. Now. We urgently call on IPOA and NPS to launch swift, transparent investigations and ensure accountability."
Reports of the woman miscarrying in custody broke on Wednesday, with her family revealing that she was seven months pregnant and had complained upon her booking at the station in Kinangop, Nyandarua County.
She had repeatedly been arrested after her employer filed a complaint saying that Ksh18,000 from a day's sales was missing. Later, it was discovered that only Ksh9,000 was missing, and the family managed to raise Ksh6,000.
Despite pleas by the family to the complainant to wait until the next day to come up with the remaining Ksh3,000, he refused to hear their complaints, and she was locked up for the night.
"I pleaded with the police to release my sister as we tried to raise the money on Wednesday, but they declined. I pleaded with them, informing them that my sister had other children waiting at home and we had a sick mother to take care of, but they refused," the victim's sister stated.
While in custody, she reportedly complained of severe abdominal pain and pleaded for medical attention, which was allegedly ignored by the officers.
At around 1 am, the victim called her sister to inform her that she needed assistance since she was bleeding heavily. She rushed to the station but was reportedly chased away.
Witnesses and family members claim that the woman began experiencing complications but was left unattended for hours, leading to the tragic loss of her pregnancy.
