The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has commenced investigations into the alleged murder of a 17-year-old street-connected youth.
The lifeless body of the youth identified as Keith Moses was found dumped at the Huruma Sewerage Treatment Plant on the outskirts of Eldoret town on March 3, 2023.
According to Dennis Oketch, the Head of IPOA Communications Authority – a rapid investigations team has already been dispatched to Eldoret and is currently investigating some of the police officers alleged to have been involved in the incident.
“IPOA will make appropriate recommendations to address the matter either through the criminal justice system or through internal disciplinary mechanisms,” read part of a response from the IPOA head of communication.
The deceased had been living in Eldoret streets since he was 7 years old after his parents separated.
He was reported missing between 27th and 28th February 2023 at around 10:00 pm after he was allegedly flashed out by four police officers from a waste bin where he had sought shelter for the night.
Chased by police
Eldoret-based human rights activists claim the officers who are attached to the Eldoret Central Police Station chased after Keith only for his lifeless body to be discovered floating at the Huruma sewerage treatment site days later.
“We took an OB 89/7/3/2023 at the Central Police station for missing persons and we were later informed Yamumbi police officers had retrieved the body of an unidentified young man from the Huruma sewerage site and had taken it to the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital Mortuary,” Juma Akumu, a defender for the Rights of street children in Eldoret told journalists.
“Keith’s parents positively identified the body,” he added.
Later, Juma says they booked at Yamumbi Police regarding the murder of Keith. He expressed hope justice for the family will be expedited.
“I saw his body. He was brutally beaten before being murdered. We urge the government to ensure justice prevails for my child,” said Keith’s mother Linet Malezi.
The deceased has been scheduled to be laid to rest this Friday, March 24, 2023, at his parents’ home in Iregi village, Chavakali, Vihiga County.
