Methuselah Kiama, the 16-year-old boy who was arrested during protests in Mlolongo has shared the harrowing account of his arrest and detention. The high school student, who was on his way to buy lunch, ended up spending 42 hours in police custody. He described the experience as traumatic and inhumane.
“I was just going to buy lunch for my family when two policemen in civilian clothes stopped me. They were on a motorbike, and they pointed a pistol at me,” the teenager recounted.
Kiama said he was confused and frightened as the officers accused him of being involved in the protests. “They caused me to trip and fall, and then more police officers came and started harassing me.”
Kiama explained that the officers did not believe his claims of innocence.
“They said they were looking for me. I tried to explain that I knew nothing about the protests, but they did not listen,” he said.
Upon his arrest, They slapped me as we walked on the streets. They then told me to sit down, kneel down. They caused me to suffer,”
16 Year Old Boy’s Heartbreaking Jail Ordeal
Kiama was taken to Mlolongo police station, whose conditions he described as harsh and uncomfortable.
“I had to endure the cold without a sweater, and the police were not kind. They treated me badly,” he said. His experience left him feeling disgusted with law enforcement, stating bluntly, “The police are not good people. They are animals.”
The 16-year-old boy was held in cell with adults, which is an improper legal procedure for a minor.
“We were five of us, then three were released, one was released through corruption, the other two were left talking with the police officers in vernacular language,” he said.
How did Kiama’s Mother Learn of his Arrest
Kiama’s mother learned of her son’s arrest through a video that a friend showed her.
“I had no idea he had been arrested until I saw the video. It was shocking,” she said.
The video showed her son being manhandled and detained by the police.
The teenager’s ordeal sparked outrage among activists and the public, leading to calls for his release.
Kiama was eventually freed, but he is now facing charges related to the protests, despite his claims of innocence.
“I was sent home from school because of unpaid fees, and now I am being accused of participating in protests I knew nothing about,” Kiama added.
The police who refused to drop the charges claiming they have no authority to do so.
It remains unclear whether the student will appear in Court or return to school soon to sit for his exams.
Stay tuned for more updates.
By Vivian K.