NACADA Chief Executive Officer Anthony Omerikwa/FILE
A 14-year-old boy was among people rescued from a rehabilitation centre in Kajiado County during a dawn operation led by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA).
The discovery has prompted authorities to recommend the immediate closure of the facility as investigations continue into allegations of child abuse, unlawful detention and mistreatment of patients.
Authorities said the operation, which also led to the rescue of eight foreign nationals, found that the six-month-old facility had admitted a 14-year-old boy.
Authorities claim there was no evidence that the facility had complied with legal requirements governing the admission and care of children. They also alleged that the boy had been physically assaulted while at the centre.
NACADA Chief Executive Officer Anthony Omerikwa condemned the admission of the minor.
"We strongly condemn the admission of a 14-year-old child into a rehabilitation facility under circumstances that indicated the minor had been subjected to physical assault. Such actions constitute a grave violation of the rights and welfare of the child and are contrary to the standards governing treatment and rehabilitation services in Kenya," he said.
He said the boy was rescued and handed over to the Department of Children's Services for care and protection.
Investigators also alleged that the facility was admitting and managing patients with severe mental illnesses, including schizophrenia, despite lacking a psychiatrist or the specialised capacity required to manage such conditions.
The inspection further found what investigators described as a "strong room" allegedly used to confine clients.
Authorities said the practice was inconsistent with accepted treatment standards and could amount to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.
Omerikwa said rehabilitation should be voluntary and carried out in line with professional standards and respect for human dignity.
"The involuntary detention of clients, including foreign nationals, without lawful authority or due process is unacceptable and contrary to the principles of ethical treatment," he said.
The multi-agency team has recommended the immediate closure of the rehabilitation centre. The matter has been referred to law enforcement agencies for further investigation into the allegations.
Authorities said investigations are ongoing.
