Rights agency bemoans state of police cells
Kenya National Commission on Human Rights commissioner Suzanne Shatikha Chivusia addresses journalists on April 10, 2014. She has complained that some cells at police stations are in a deplorable state. FILE PHOTO | PHOEBE OKALL | NATION MEDIA GROUP.
What you need to know:
- She recommended that the Kenya Prisons Service ensure that new inmates are screened on arrival to avoid spread of diseases.
- The agency has been visiting public institutions and meeting the public beginning Sunday last week.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights wants Kakuma Police Station cells closed over inhuman conditions subjected to remandees.
Residents and remandees have nicknamed the police station the ‘cell of death’.
KNCHR commissioner Suzanne Shatikha Chivusia cited poor ventilation, inadequate water supply and congestion, adding that those below 18 years of age were being kept in the same cells with adults.
"Due to congestion people faint daily. During my visit on Thursday four people fainted. As KNCHR, we call upon the Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet to immediately close the Kakuma Police cell and stop housing inmates in an inhuman and degrading condition," she said.
Ms Chivusia suggested that the facility be refurbished.
Additionally, she raised concern about Lodwar GK Prison in Turkana County, which she said houses about 500 prisoners against its official capacity of 120.
She recommended that the Kenya Prisons Service ensure that new inmates are screened on arrival to avoid spreading of diseases.
The agency has been visiting public institutions and meeting the public beginning Sunday last week.
