Teen moved to Kamiti hours after 'Nation' story on his plight

A teenager who spent three months in police cells in Tharaka Nithi County after being sentenced to jail at Kamiti Youth Correction and Training Centre (YCTC) was Tuesday evening transferred to the facility after the Nation highlighted the matter.

The 19-year-old from Mwiria village in Maara sub-county was sentenced to four months imprisonment by a Chuka court on September 30, 2021, but could not be transported to the juvenile correction facility after police reportedly said they did not fuel for the journey.

Mr Fredrick Gitonga surrendered his son, a Form Three dropout, to police after realising that he had joined a village gang of drug users that engaged in theft and other criminal activities in the village.

Though Mr Gitonga wanted the boy to be reformed, he later regretted the decision for the suffering that his son underwent at the police station cells.

After being sentenced to four months in prison, the teenager was left to languish at the Ntumu police station in dire conditions.

On Wednesday morning, Mr Gitonga thanked the Nation for highlighting the painful matter.

Slept on the floor

“Few hours after the story was published on Nation.Africa, the officer commanding station (OCS) called and informed me that they were preparing to leave for YCTC,” he said.

He said although his son should be about to complete the jail term, it’s a relief to have him out of the police cells where he slept on the floor and without food leaving him in bad health.

Maara sub-county Police Commander Mohammed Jarso also told the Nation that the boy was admitted at the Nairobi-based juvenile correctional facility on Tuesday evening.

“I made the arrangements and the boy was taken to YCTC,” said Mr Jarso.

He claimed that the delay was a result of some challenges involving the region’s provision office.

He added that in case of any further challenge or concern, Mr Gitonga should consult him.

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