Hundreds of street children have taken to the streets of Kitale town in Trans Nzoia County protesting the killing of one of them.
The street children claim one of the unnamed police officers who were on patrol was responsible for the death.
Led by their spokesperson William Essy, the street boys said their colleague was assaulted and badly by police on Monday night. He was pronounced dead on arrival at Wamalwa Kijana Teaching and Referral Hospital.
“His life was taken away by police officers who are supposed to protect human life. How can you kill an innocent boy?” William asked.
On his part, Michael Engolan, the Turkana Community youth leader condemned the incident and called on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to investigate the matter and take action against all the police officers involved.
“We condemn this heinous act in the strongest terms possible. We also appeal to IPOA to step in and take necessary legal action against all the officers who took away our brother’s life,” Engolan urged.
Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Paul Wambugu said investigations into the incident have been launched.
“We are investigating claims by the street boys that one of them was killed by our officers on patrol. We will ensure justice is served,” Wambugu stated.
The body of the 17-year-old boy is lying at the Wamalwa Kijana Teaching and Referral Hospital morgue.
