DCI detectives in Bunyala subcounty are on the prowl for a father who allegedly assaulted his son during an incident captured on camera.
In a statement on Monday, DCI boss Mohamed Amin said the man alongside the minor’s uncle are believed to be in hiding in a neighbouring country.
He said the alleged assault occurred three months ago but only came to light recently after the gory images started circulating on various social media outlets.
“During the incident, the minor's uncle was captured on camera while manhandling him as his father recorded the happenings without an iota of guilt,” the top sleuth said.
Amin said the incident was reported at the Port Victoria police station by children's officers who informed officers the incident happened at the minor’s home in Musoma area.
“The minor suffered serious injuries that are still healing due to a lack of immediate medical attention. When the incident came to light, children's officers took the minor to hospital where he was treated and the medical form (P3) filled,” he said.
Amin said detectives recorded witness statements on the incident and immediately launched a manhunt for the two suspects.
“They are on the run and believed to be holed up in a neighbouring country. However, pragmatic measures are underway to flush them out and bring them to justice,” he said.
The news elicited mixed reactions from Kenyans online with some wondering “what are some parents turning into?”
Others decried the long period of time it has taken authorities to swing into action in an attempt to apprehend the culprits and bring them to book.
“How can anyone justify such cruelty,
and when will justice finally be served for this innocent child?” one
asked.
“Three months ago and now they are about to be arrested. Should we say that justice has been delayed or it's about to be served?” posed another.
Article 53 of the Constitution
of Kenya recognises the right of all children to be protected from abuse,
neglect, harmful cultural practices, all forms of violence, inhumane treatment
and punishment, and hazardous or exploitative labour.
Further, with the enactment of the Children Act, 2022, Kenya formally repealed the right of parents and others to "administer reasonable punishment" to children.
Section 25 (3) (b) (c) of the Act says corporal punishment shall not be inflicted upon a child by "any person".
The constitution further explicitly prohibits corporal punishment of "every person" and overruled any law inconsistent with the provisions of Section 2 (4) of the supreme law.
The 2019 Violence Against Children Survey found that around one in two young adults in Kenya experienced violence as a child.
