Girl, 14 vanishes in police custody

A family in Naivasha is in anguish following the mysterious disappearance of their 14-year-old daughter, Linet Manoti, who shockingly vanished while in police custody. The teenager went missing in September last year under puzzling circumstances, right inside the Naivasha Police Station. To date, the authorities have provided no clear explanation, leaving the family desperate and in the dark. Linet had been under the care of a donor-funded child support programme known as Teen Mothers Forum Africa, residing in a rented apartment in Kayole, Naivasha. The facility, run by a non-governmental organisation, housed vulnerable teenage girls-many of them young mothers or victims of domestic instability. Her troubles began when she, along with several other girls, was taken to the Naivasha Police Station for questioning regarding a theft reported at the apartment. According to the family, all the other girls were released-except Linet. "It makes no sense how our child could disappear inside a police station," said Jane Kwamboka, her grandmother. "I believe she's just a pawn in a bigger scheme that no one wants to talk about," she added. While in custody, a medical examination allegedly revealed that Linet was pregnant. However, instead of triggering child protection protocols, the revelation led to silence and suspicion. Her whereabouts remain unknown. "We've searched everywhere. We don't know if she's alive or dead. It's heartbreaking. Why aren't the police telling us anything, when she was last seen in their custody?" Kwamboka asked, adding; "I raised her like my own child. Now, I just want the truth." The family now reports being targeted by extortionists. Linet's aunt, Sarah Mike, revealed that unknown individuals have contacted them, demanding money in exchange for information about Linet's whereabouts. "Someone even asked for Sh3 million. Our pain has become a business for some people," she said. Repeated attempts to get answers from the Naivasha Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have been futile. The Naivasha DCIO, Isaac Kiama, has reportedly been unavailable for comment, with both the media and the family unable to reach him. Sources suggest that internal wrangles at Teen Mothers Forum Africa-whose offices are in Nakuru and Nairobi-could be linked to Linet's disappearance. Allegations point to a power struggle over control of large sums in donor funding. "We believe she is a pawn in a larger scheme involving theft, corruption, and exploitation. Someone is profiting from this little girl's tragedy," said a source close to the organisation. An official from Teen Mothers Forum Africa, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed concern over Linet's disappearance and affirmed the organisation's willingness to cooperate with investigations. "We have nothing to hide. We're deeply concerned and hope the police will handle this matter transparently," the official said. According to the family, Linet was approximately three months pregnant when she disappeared. They now fear she may have given birth in captivity-a chilling possibility that adds to their distress. Each day brings more painful questions: Was Linet a victim of a corrupt donor scheme? Is there a cover-up? Could a criminal network be operating under the guise of child protection? "What happened to Linet? She was obedient. If she did wrong, let the law take its course. All we want is justice and the truth," Kwamboka pleaded.

Girl, 14 vanishes in police custody

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