Two Children Hospitalised After Alleged Beating Over Missing Chama Money

By : Mweru Mbugua

Two minors aged 11 and 12 were allegedly assaulted after being accused of stealing Ksh30,000 belonging to a women’s group in Kiumbu village, Kirinyaga County. The money was reportedly set aside for the group’s Christmas budget

Kiarukungu Location Chief Henry Kariuki said the incident occurred at the homestead of Jackson Muchira, where the money and two mobile phones were allegedly stolen

One of the children is a pupil at Kiumbu Primary School, while the other dropped out of school two years ago

“The two admitted to stealing the money after an alarm was raised,” Kariuki said, adding that only Ksh200 and the two phones were recovered from where the children had hidden them

According to the chief, the cash belonged to a women’s group in which the homestead owner’s wife serves as treasurer. He said the children were taken to Wang’uru Police Station following the incident

However, the minors’ parents Wanja Munene and Mercy Wawira later alleged that the children were severely beaten by the homestead owner before being handed over to police

One child reportedly sustained injuries to his private parts, while the other suffered a fractured hand

The parents demanded that police facilitate medical treatment for the children and arrest the suspect accused of assaulting them. The chief confirmed that the children had indeed been beaten prior to their arrival at the police station

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The minors were eventually taken to Kimbimbi Sub-County Hospital after intervention by local media

The parents questioned why the alleged assailant was under police guard at the same hospital instead of being held in custody

The two children were released from Wang’uru Police Station on Sunday night after the complainant agreed to cover their medical expenses and refund the Ksh30,000 to the women’s group

Relatives have called for swift action, warning that they will escalate the matter to the Inspector General of Police if no arrests are made. “We will not allow a kangaroo court,” said one relative, Jane Wanjiku

Police have not yet issued an official statement on whether charges will be preferred in connection with the alleged assault