The High Court on Monday ordered police to pay Sh4 million to a high school female student who was strip-searched by officers two years ago.
In his ruling, Justice John Mativo noted that police had violated her dignity, right to privacy and the children’s act.
The young student was among 45 high school students allegedly arrested using drugs and engaging in public sex aboard a bus.
Her picture was taken as a police officer strip-searched her at Sagana Police Base.
[caption caption="Student being strip-searched by police in August 2015 over bhang possession"]
[/caption]
The images were shared widely on social media, causing public outrage with many people accusing the police of violating her rights.
Through Kioko Munyithia Ngugi and company advocates, the student sued the Inspector General, Attorney General and Director of Public Prosecutions over the incident.
In the suit, the girl noted that the officers’ actions violated her privacy, security, access to justice and rights as an arrested person.
Though her lawyers, the teenager stated her case had resulted from invasive misconduct by police, therefore it was invalid.
In her petition, the schoolgirl maintained that the incident had caused her embarrassment, anxiety and mental distress.
[caption caption="Students arrested on allegations of using drugs"]
[/caption]
Additionally, the High Court dismissed an 18-month probation sentence handed down to the student for allegedly possessing bhang.
