Parents seek justice after children allegedly assaulted over Ksh. 30,000 theft in Kirinyaga

The families, accompanied by relatives, spoke after recording an occurrence book (OB) statement at Wang’uru Police Station. Led by Grace Waruguru, they said that while allegations of theft had been made, the Children's Act, 2022 clearly prohibits corporal punishment, child abuse, and exploitation.

Waruguru said the alleged complainant, Jackson Muchira, had agreed to cater for the children’s medical expenses and to refund the KSh30,000 to the women’s group. However, she insisted that this would not deter the families from pursuing justice.

“Our children are in pain after undergoing medical examinations yesterday. One of them cannot stand, while the other sustained a broken hand. There are also allegations that the complainant interfered with one child’s private parts,” Waruguru said.

The children’s mothers, Mercy Wawira and Wanja Munene, said that after Muchira took the children to a private hospital and paid their medical bills, he attempted to have the matter resolved and the case withdrawn, but the families declined.

“He took us to the police station and wanted the matter closed, but we insisted on recording an OB. This was difficult on the day the children were arrested. We told him we would only engage further after seeing the progress of our children’s recovery,” the mothers said.

Kiarukungu Location Chief Henry Kariuki confirmed that the two children were accused of stealing KSh30,000 and two mobile phones from Muchira’s homestead, where his wife serves as the treasurer of the women’s group. He said only KSh200 and the two phones were recovered from the children.

The administrator added that the minors were arrested on Saturday night and spent the night at Wang’uru Police Station before being released following public outrage over the alleged assault.

“This is the first time I have encountered a case where children are allegedly abused in this manner. We want the police to thoroughly investigate both the assault and the alleged theft,” said Mercy Wawira.

Police have yet to issue an official statement on the matter as investigations continue.