The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched investigation into a case where a 17-year-old student was allegedly assaulted by police officers while in custody.
The incident reportedly occurred at Naroosura Police Station in Narok South Sub-County, where the student was being held on suspicion of stealing tractor spare parts. The minor is currently admitted to the Narok County Referral Hospital in critical condition.
In a statement on Friday, October 24, IPOA confirmed that it had opened a formal inquiry into the matter to establish the events that led to the student’s arrest and subsequent injury while under police care.
“In line with its mandate to ensure accountability and the observance of human rights in policing, IPOA is investigating the circumstances surrounding the alleged arrest and subsequent injury of the minor,” the statement read in part.
The police oversight body further noted that the investigation will determine the extent of police involvement and whether any officers at Naroosura Police Station violated the law during the detention and interrogation of the student.
Prison Term
The student, together with his family, claimed that he was assaulted while in the cells after refusing to confess to the alleged theft.
They further alleged that the officers denied them access to visit him after his arrest, only learning of his condition after he was taken to the hospital.
The doctors attending to the teenager at Narok County Referral Hospital described his condition as critical. They revealed that he had severe infections in both legs indicating a possible chemical burns.
The case has sparked outrage among residents and human rights advocates, who have since called for swift investigations and the prosecution of any officers found responsible.
Despite his condition, however, the student was allegedly charged at Narok Law Courts with the alleged offences of breaking into a shop and stealing 10 litres of cooking oil and Ksh34,000, contrary to earlier allegations that he had stolen tractor spare parts.
He was later sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty, a plea which he claimed was coerced.
However, prison officers declined to admit him and referred him back to the hospital.
Meanwhile, IPOA reiterated its commitment to ensuring accountability and upholding the principles of Article 244 of the Constitution, which requires police to respect human rights and maintain professionalism in their duties.
