Health experts confirm pellagra cases at Uasin Gishu rescue centre amid allegations of human rights abuses
These allegations, encompassing physical assault, insufficient food provisions, and instances of pellagra—a severe vitamin B3 deficiency—underscore the imperative for a thorough and unbiased investigation.
A section of the people being held at the rescue centre in Uasin Gishu.File Photo
The recent reports detailing alleged human rights abuses at the Uasin Gishu Rescue Centre have elicited serious concerns from both the local community and human rights advocates.
These allegations, encompassing physical assault, insufficient food provisions, and instances of pellagra—a severe vitamin B3 deficiency—underscore the imperative for a thorough and unbiased investigation.
Hubzmedia’s investigation has unveiled distressing conditions within the rescue center, where individuals grappling with skin diseases self isolate without their fellow detainees’ awareness of their pellagra affliction. A medical officer stationed at the center and who did not want to be quoted asserts that those affected are undergoing medical treatment.
Further revelations from Hubzmedia indicate that among the 90-plus individuals held at the rescue center, many lament inadequate food portions, particularly with regards to rice and green grams, which have been the primary sustenance due to the recent unavailability of maize at the centre. Some detainees express a desire to be reunited with their families, citing alleged confinement against their will.
One victim, formerly reliant on selling carrier bags in the West Market area, shares the poignant story of supporting their grandmother in Huruma. As the sole breadwinner, the victim expresses uncertainty about their grandmother’s well-being since he was confined at the centre. Interviews with remaining individuals at the center unveil claims of human rights abuses, including brutal harassment that’s only shared on low tones.
Hubzmedia’s investigation discloses an alleged cover-up involving a section of Uasin Gishu County MCAs, Kikuyu community elders, and businessmen aligned with Governor Jonathan Bii. The rescue center reportedly lacks a legal framework and policy for detaining individuals above 18 years. The county’s claim of a cabinet decision to detain persons over 18 at the center, purportedly never ratified by the Uasin Gishu County Assembly, further fuels concerns.
The issue has ignited discussions on social media platforms, with political aides and sympathizers of Uasin Gishu Governor actively engaging in the discourse. Concurrently, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations has initiated independent investigations, and victims of torture have provided statements to the government agency.
While the Uasin Gishu County Gender Committee had been probing the human rights abuse claims, attempts by the local media to obtain the committee’s report by Wednesday before breaking on recess faced resistance from the County Assembly Speaker, Phillip Muigei.
Consequently, the matter surrounding the rescue center has precipitated sharp divisions among MCAs and local politicians.
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