APs accused of torturing 8 KMTC students in theft probe

Kenya Medical Training College students waiting for treatment at Kabarnet County Hospital yesterday after alleged torture by Administrative Policemen. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

Eight Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) students in Kabarnet were allegedly tortured by Administration Police officers on Sunday.

The officers accused the eight of stealing a gas cylinder belonging to a fellow student.

The APs allegedly forced the students to sit in one corner of an apartment and poured cold water on them while assaulting them.

Speaking during an interview at Kabarnet Hospital, Sammy Kulei, one of the injured students, said the officers also confiscated their phones and made them record statements admitting they were guilty of the offence.

Some of the students had bandaged arms while others complained of severe headaches due to kicks and blows they claimed to have got from the officers.

The students said each one of them was forced to contribute Sh600 for purchasing a new gas cylinder.

Kulei said the APs handcuffed them and made them eat pieces of soap as punishment.

Officers who spoke on condition of anonymity accused the students of taking strangers into their residential building hence posing a security threat in the estate.

Kabarnet OCPD Philip Wambugu said he had requested the students to record their statements.

“I have requested the students to come and record statements after which the matter will be investigated,” said Wambugu.