One police officer has been interdicted following an incident in which a woman suffered a miscarriage while being held at the Rwanyambo Police Post in Nyandarua County.
In a statement on Thursday, June 12, the National Police Service (NPS) confirmed that investigations have already begun to uncover the circumstances that led to the miscarriage.
"Investigations have been launched by the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU), in collaboration with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident,” the statement read.
NPS noted that the officer in charge of the police post has been interdicted pending the outcome of the investigation.
"To ensure a swift, impartial, and transparent investigation, the officer in charge of Rwanyambo Police Post has been interdicted with immediate effect. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses,” the statement added.
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Earlier Thursday, the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) condemned the tragedy and called for immediate accountability.
"A pregnant woman allegedly suffered a miscarriage while in police custody, an unconscionable tragedy that demands answers. The Commission calls for immediate investigation, accountability, and gender-responsive policing reforms," the statement read.
NGEC insisted that pregnancies should be protected at all times, further calling for the training of police officers on the rights of special interest groups.
"Pregnancy should be protected, even behind bars. Maternal health must never be collateral damage in law enforcement processes. Enough is enough. We must sensitise police officers, with data, training & empathy, on the rights of special interest groups," the statement added.
NGEC urged the NPS and oversight authority, IPOA, to provide an independent assessment of the case and ensure accountability.
"We urgently call on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the National Police Service (NPS) to launch swift, transparent investigations and ensure accountability," the statement concluded.
