Illegal Jail in Kakamega Exposed, Seven Suspects Arrested

Seven Arrested in Kenya for Running Illegal Detention Facility

Thursday, March 13, 2025

Authorities in Kakamega County, Kenya, have arrested seven individuals accused of unlawfully detaining and torturing people under the guise of enforcing discipline. The suspects, who refer to themselves as 'disciplinary enforcers,' were allegedly running an unauthorized detention center where intoxicated individuals were held and subjected to degrading treatment unless they paid a bribe for their release.

Allegations of Abuse and Extortion

According to reports, the victims, who were apprehended for excessive drinking, were locked inside a filthy room with mud walls, forced to relieve themselves in buckets, and subjected to inhumane conditions. They were given an ultimatum: pay a bribe of KSh 300 (approximately Sh 6,000) or endure three days of severe punishment.

Authorities have confirmed that the makeshift detention center was not officially sanctioned and was allegedly established under the pretense of maintaining order in the community by punishing individuals who engaged in excessive alcohol consumption.

However, instead of enforcing discipline, the suspects reportedly subjected detainees to brutal physical and psychological abuse. One victim recalled the ordeal, saying, "They dragged me in, locked me up with others, and beat me for three days. The whippings began at midnight, and my thighs are still sore." Another detainee added, _"We had no choice but to use a bucket for relief in full view of others. In the evening, they brought us maize porridge and sukuma wiki (collard greens)."

Police Crack Down on Illegal Operations

This case emerges just days after another shocking incident in Uasin Gishu County, where Collins Leitich was arrested for illegally establishing and operating a clandestine police station without approval from the National Police Service (NPS). His station had even been painted in police colors to appear legitimate before authorities uncovered the scheme and shut it down on March 8, 2025.

The recent arrests in Kakamega highlight a growing concern over unauthorized law enforcement activities in parts of Kenya. Local residents had long suspected the group of operating an illegal detention center, detaining people at will, and silencing anyone who questioned their authority.

Kakamega Town Assistant Chief Isaac Ayumba confirmed the operation, stating that law enforcement responded swiftly after receiving reports of the illegal detentions. "I first consulted with the local village elder to verify the claims. Once we confirmed the existence of the illegal holding facility, we moved in to rescue the victims," Ayumba said.

Suspects Facing Multiple Charges

Following the rescue operation, police officers and national government administration officials arrested seven suspects, including the village elder believed to be overseeing the illicit facility.

Citizen TV reported that those apprehended include Emmanuel Nyangweso, Derick Owino, Metrine Olenyo, Brian Obonyo, Johnson Shirava, Koffi Anan, and Charles Kisamani. The accused are now facing multiple charges, including unlawful detention, assault, and issuing threats. Additionally, one of the suspects was found in possession of illegal narcotics (bhang).

Authorities are continuing investigations to determine if more individuals were involved in the operation, and further legal action is expected as the case unfold