The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) has stepped in and is demanding immediate answers from the National Police Service (NPS) after disturbing reports emerged that a pregnant woman lost her baby while being held in police custody.
The woman, who was seven months pregnant, reportedly suffered a miscarriage after being detained at a police station in Kinangop, Nyandarua County.
In a firm statement released on Thursday, June 12, the NGEC expressed deep concern over the tragic incident, calling it an unimaginable and avoidable tragedy that requires urgent attention.
The commission is calling for a swift and transparent investigation, as well as accountability for any negligence that may have occurred.
They also want broader reforms in the police service to ensure gender-sensitive and humane treatment of all detainees, especially women and other vulnerable groups.
“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,” part of the NGEC’s statement read.
The commission emphasised that no woman should lose her child while in the care of law enforcement, noting that maternal health is a fundamental human right that must be safeguarded at all times—even behind bars. The NGEC stressed the urgent need for the National Police Service to train its officers on how to handle expectant mothers and individuals from special interest groups.
“Pregnancy should be protected, even behind bars. Maternal health must never be collateral damage in law enforcement processes,” the commission further stated.
NGEC went on to call out the repeated neglect of rights and dignity for women in police custody. The commission is urging the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the National Police Service to take immediate action by launching thorough and honest investigations.
They also demanded disciplinary measures where necessary, as well as systemic reforms that include data collection, officer training, and improved empathy towards detainees.
“Enough is enough. We must sensitise police officers—with data, training, and empathy—on the rights of special interest groups.
Fairness. Accountability. Dignity. Now. We urgently call on IPOA and NPS to launch swift, transparent investigations and ensure accountability,” NGEC said.
According to the victim’s family, the woman was arrested after her employer accused her of losing Ksh18,000 in sales money.
However, it later emerged that only Ksh9,000 was unaccounted for. The family raised Ksh6,000 in a bid to settle the matter, but the complainant allegedly refused to accept a partial payment, insisting on the full amount.
The victim’s sister recounted the painful moments leading up to the miscarriage. She said they begged the police to allow them more time to settle the balance, but their requests fell on deaf ears.
Despite explaining that the victim had children at home and that their mother was unwell, the officers reportedly went ahead and locked her up for the night.
“I pleaded with the police to release my sister as we tried to raise the money on Wednesday, but they declined. I informed them that my sister had children at home and a sick mother to take care of, but they still refused,” the sister narrated.
While in the cell, the pregnant woman started experiencing intense abdominal pain and reportedly begged for medical assistance, but officers allegedly ignored her cries for help. Her situation grew worse as the night progressed.
Around 1 am, she managed to call her sister, crying and saying she was bleeding and needed help urgently. When her sister rushed to the station, she was allegedly turned away by the officers on duty, without being allowed to assist or even see her.
Family members and witnesses say that the woman suffered in pain for hours without medical care, which ultimately resulted in the tragic miscarriage.
They blame the officers for neglecting their duty to protect and respond to emergencies, especially involving vulnerable individuals like expectant mothers.
The shocking incident has sparked public outrage and raised serious questions about how detainees—especially pregnant women—are treated while in police custody.
Human rights advocates and civil society organisations are now demanding justice for the victim and systemic change to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
As investigations begin, the NGEC and the public are closely watching how the matter will be handled, with growing calls for accountability, justice, and a complete overhaul of the way police deal with women in custody.
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