KMTC Student Hospitalized After Alleged Assault by Turbo Police Officers
“She was not even part of the issue. They came looking for her mother, and when they couldn’t find her, they attacked the girl,”
A 17-year-old student from the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) in Webuye is currently receiving treatment at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) after sustaining serious injuries in an alleged assault by police officers from Turbo Police Station.
Caren Jeptoo was reportedly assaulted during a police operation targeting her mother, Ann Jerono, who is alleged to be involved in illicit brewing. The incident occurred around 9:30 a.m. on April 11, when officers stormed their home in pursuit of Jerono, who managed to escape.
According to family members, the police allegedly turned their aggression on Caren, kicking her in the chest and causing severe injuries that required her to be placed on life support.
“She was not even part of the issue. They came looking for her mother, and when they couldn’t find her, they attacked the girl,” said a family member, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Caren is currently admitted to Sergoit Ward,at MTRH. Medical staff have confirmed that she is under medication and close supervision.
The incident has since been reported to the Eldoret Police Station for further investigation. Human rights advocates have begun raising questions about the conduct of the officers involved and are calling for urgent action.
“It is deeply disturbing that a minor, a student, would bear the brunt of law enforcement meant for someone else,” said Kimutai Kirui vocal human rights defender. “This calls for immediate accountability and justice.”
Efforts to reach Turbo Police Station for comment were unsuccessful at the time of publication.
Illicit brewing in Kenya is classified as a petty offence, typically punishable by fines or short-term imprisonment. The National Police Service Act stipulates that for minor offences, police officers should prioritize summoning individuals to appear in court, unless there is a failure to comply or other aggravating circumstances.
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