This archive report was first published on 9 September 2021.
On August 12, 2021, Caren Wekesa, a resident of Korogocho, Eldama Ravine in Baringo, made a devastating discovery. She had paid a Sh50,000 court fine for her husband Daniel Njuguna, who had been arrested and arraigned in court for allegedly being in possession of 19 rolls of bhang valued at Sh2,000.
However, instead of paying the fine to the Judiciary as required by law, Wekesa took the money to Makutano Police Station and handed it over to a senior police officer. The officer allegedly took the cash, leaving Wekesa with nothing.
According to Wekesa, her husband was released from custody on August 12, only to be re-arrested three days later by police after a Prisons officer identified him. The warder claimed Njuguna was to be transferred to Nakuru Prison but was missing from Makutano Police Station where he was being held.
Wekesa reported the matter to the Eldama Ravine sub-county police commander, but no action was taken against the officer who allegedly took the cash. Police spokesman Bruno Shioso told The Standard that he was not aware of the incident but promised to establish the facts.
Kimutai Kirui, a rights activist, claimed that cases of police being involved in illegal activities were rampant. “It is sad police are now handling cases in a kangaroo court,” he claimed.
