This archive report was first published on 2 July 2020.
On May 24, 2020, Charles Mwenda's wife, Faith Mwende, passed away due to cancer. Despite having complied with Covid-19 travel regulations, Mr. Mwenda and 31 other mourners were stopped at Keeria market in Meru County and ordered to return to Malindi.
Armed police officers then took Mr. Mwenda and the casket to Kianjai Police Station, where he was forced to spend the night. As the night grew, rains pounded the area, leaving him and the casket soaked.
Mr. Mwenda recounts in his affidavit, 'Police left me alone in the rain. I dragged the casket all alone and sheltered it under a lorry which was parked near Kianjai Police Post. Stagnant water entered the casket.'
He is now seeking general and punitive damages against the State, alleging that his rights and freedoms under the Bill of Rights were violated. The matter will be mentioned on July 6, 2020, for further directions.
