This archive report was first published on 1 July 2021.
On July 1, 2021, the High Court in Meru made a landmark ruling in favor of Charles Mwenda, a man who was subjected to inhumane treatment by police officers during his wife's funeral.
According to the court's ruling, Mwenda and 31 other mourners were arrested and taken to Kanjai Police Station, where they were forced to spend the night with the casket of Mwenda's deceased wife.
Justice Edward Muriithi condemned the police's use of excessive force and ordered Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai to pay Mwenda Ksh. 1.5 Million in compensation.
Mwenda recounted the traumatic experience, stating that he was forced to shield his wife's body under a lorry to avoid it being rained on, and was threatened with a 15-day quarantine period if he did not comply with the police.
