Police on the spot for arresting a minor in busaa swoop
Handcuffs. Courtesy photo
Police in Elgeyo-Marakwet County are on the spot after they arrested a Grade 8 student suspected of brewing busaa.
The female student from Metiipbelio village in Chebulbai, Marakwet West, is being held at Kapsowar Police Station.
Her detention follows allegations that police failed to arrest her mother, who is accused of brewing the traditional liquor, busaa.
The young girl, who is not involved in the matter, was left confined in a cell.
When AVDelta News toured Kapsowar Police Station, we found the girl looking through the narrow bars of the window, longing for her release and the chance to return to her normal life.
This incident raised concerns about fairness and the treatment of innocent children in such cases.
Marakwet West MP Timothy Kipchumba said he was following up the matter to establish the circumstances under which the girl was arrested.
"I will follow up to ascertain and establish the circumstances under which the girl was arrested," said Mr Kipchumba.
Kenyans condemned the arrest of the minor and called on security personnel to come clear on the issue.
"That Police officer should be taken to refresher course and thereafter be judged," said Laban Korir, a resident.
According to Riuki Chacha, a child rights activist, the Childrens Act and criminal procedure prescribes arrest of children as the last resort and should be done in a child friendly way.
"It must be done in the best interest of the child. Hope this threshold, among others were met. On the flidside, hope the child gets life changing opportunity following the enormous media presence," said Chacha.
Mr Silas Tarus on his part said that was totally wrong.
"Very absurd. These are tactics used by kidnappers. For the government to employ such tactics is obscenely irrational," said Mr Tarus.
Mr Timothy Kiprono, another resident on his part said the police action warrants a harsh disciplinary measure to those involved.
Jayla Kamu said: "This is so wrong on so many levels. Is she even safe in that cell?"
Some Kenyans demanded that the girl should be compensated for the agony she has been subjected to.
"The government should just pay the young girl for the mental,physical and emotional torture," said Mr Silas Bett.
