Kakamega: 7 people arrested for running illegal detention cell where they beat up, tortured drunkards
Kakamega police have arrested seven people for running an illegal detention center in Makaburini. The suspects are accused of holding, whipping, and torturing nine victims for consuming alcohol.
Victims Held in Shocking Conditions
The victims, both men and women, were locked inside a single room in a mud-walled house. They were not allowed to go outside and had to use buckets as toilets. To gain their freedom, they had to pay a bribe of Ksh.300. Those who could not pay were tortured for three days.
What started as a village elder’s effort to stop drunkenness turned into a horrifying reign of terror. The elder allegedly recruited young men who turned the structure into a detention center where they punished people accused of drinking.
One victim shared his experience:
Mimi walinitoa tu kwa mlango, sikujua kwenye wananipeleka. Kufika huko, nikapata kuna wenzangu wanachapwa, pia mimi nikaingizwa huko na nikakaa siku tatu nikichapwa… (“They took me from my doorstep, and I didn’t know where they were taking me. When I arrived, I found others being beaten. I was also locked inside for three days and beaten…”)
Another victim added, “Walikuwa wanachukua wanaume tu wanaangukia…” (“They were only targeting men who were drunk…”)
Inhumane Treatment
Victims described horrific conditions. Men and women were kept in the same filthy room without privacy. They shared one bucket as a toilet and were only given one meal a day.
A female victim recalled, “Tulikuwa tunaenda haja kwa ndoo ndani ya hiyo room… Jioni alikuwa analeta ugali na sukuma…” (“We had to use a bucket as a toilet inside the room… In the evening, they brought us ugali and sukuma…”)
Escape was only possible by paying Ksh.300, but for those without money, the suffering continued.
Fear and Extortion
The suspects ran their illegal operation openly, threatening anyone who questioned them. One woman narrated how she was taken from work and accused of drinking. Another resident who asked about the detentions was told he would also be locked up.
Authorities Take Action
Kakamega Township Assistant Chief Isaac Ayumba confirmed the operation:
“Yule nilimwendea kwanza kabisa ilikuwa ni mzee wa mtaa wangu… Baada ya kudhibitisha, tumekuja ground na kuconfirm…” (“I first approached my village elder… After confirming the situation, we moved in to take action…”)
Police and NGAO officials raided the detention center, freeing nine victims and arresting seven suspects, including the village elder. One of the suspects was also found with cannabis sativa.
The suspects now face charges of unlawful confinement, assault, and issuing death threats.
Justice for the Victims
This shocking case has raised concerns about illegal punishment and abuse of power. Authorities have assured residents that justice will be served and that no similar incidents will be allowed in the area.
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Kakamega: 7 people arrested for running illegal detention cell where they beat up, tortured drunkards
