IPOA investigates 4 police officers suspected to have murdered a street boy in Eldoret
One of the popular bases for the street Families in Eldoret,Moses would frequent the base/Photo Lloyd Ayego
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority IPOA has commenced investigations into the alleged murder of a 17 year old street connected youth whose lifeless body was found dumped at Huruma Sewerage treatment plant in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County .
Keith Moses who had been living in Eldoret streets since he was 7 years old after his parents separated, went missing between 27th and 28th February this year at around 10:00pm after he was flashed out by four police officers from a waste bin where he had sought shelter for the night .
It is alleged the officers who are attached to the Eldoret Central police station chased after him only for his lifeless body to be discovered floating at the Huruma sewerage treatment site on 3rd of March.
“We took an OB 89/7/3/2023 at the Central Police station for missing persons and were later informed Yamumbi police officers had retrieved a body of unidentified young man from the Huruma sewerage site and had taken the body to the Moi Teaching and referral Hospital Mortuary,Keith’s parents positively identified the body”Said Juma Akumu a defender for the Rights of street children in Eldoret.
We booked an OB 15/3/3/23 at Yamumbi Police regarding the Murder of Keith and we hope justice will be expedited.Added Juma.
According to keith’s mother Linet Malezi , she had separated with the husband Zadok Ilayesa while keith was seven years old and had left the son under his care before heading to Kipkoimet Nandi County where she currently works for a tea company, It is at this place where she received with horror the news of her son’s death.
“I saw his body, he was brutally beaten before being murdered we urge the government to ensure justice prevails for my child”Said Malezi.
Linet Malezi – Keith’s Mother /Photo James Gitaka
Keiths father who works as a carpenter noted that despite Keith living in the streets,he was an honest child who did not engage in criminal activities and did not deserve to die in such a manner .
“The postmortem report indicates he had two broken ribs ,a broken chest cavity ,his head was swollen suggesting he had been hit from the back of his head with an object and his throat could have been twisted, my son died a painful death , he was treated inhumanely just like a dog,”Said Zadok
I want justice for my son. He pleaded.
According to Dennis Oketch the Head of IPOA Communications Authority, a Rapid investigations team was dispatched to Eldoret and is currently investigating some of the police officers alleged to have committed the heinous murder.
“The Authority is seized of the matter concerning the death of Mr. Keith Mosses on 27th February 2023 allegedly caused by the police. IPOA dispatched its rapid investigations team to commence investigations. Investigations are thus ongoing. In conclusion IPOA will make appropriate recommendations to address the matter either through the criminal justice system or through internal disciplinary mechanisms. Signed: Mrs. Anne Makori,” Read part of the response from the IPOA head of communication.
Keith Moses ‘s body will be laid to rest on Friday at Iregi village in Chavakali Vihiga County.
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