14-year-old among victims as probe uncovers abuse at Kajiado rehabilitation centre

Investigations into the operations of Ehsan Rehabilitation Centre in Kajiado County have uncovered more disturbing allegations after authorities found a 14-year-old boy among the victims rescued during a multi-agency raid led by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA).

The discovery of the minor has intensified the case against the rehabilitation facility, with investigators citing alleged physical assault, unlawful detention, and multiple violations of child protection and patient care standards.

The underage boy was among several people rescued during the dawn operation, which had initially focused on the rescue of eight foreign nationals reportedly being held at the facility.

According to investigators, the six-month-old rehabilitation centre had admitted the child without evidence of compliance with legal requirements governing the admission and treatment of minors. Authorities further allege that the boy had been physically assaulted while under the facility's care.

NACADA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Anthony Omerikwa described the admission and alleged mistreatment of the child as a serious violation of children's rights and rehabilitation standards.

The minor was removed from the facility and placed under the care of the Department of Children Services for protection and further intervention.

The inspection also revealed that the facility had been admitting and managing patients suffering from severe mental illnesses, including schizophrenia, despite lacking a psychiatrist or the specialised personnel required to provide such care.

Investigators say the practice exposed patients to significant health risks, as they were reportedly receiving treatment without appropriate medical oversight.

Authorities further alleged that the centre operated a "strong room" used to confine clients, a practice they said is inconsistent with accepted rehabilitation standards and raises concerns over unlawful detention and the treatment of patients.

According to NACADA, rehabilitation should be conducted through voluntary, rights-based treatment that respects the dignity and freedoms of clients. The agency also raised concerns over the alleged involuntary confinement of both Kenyan and foreign nationals at the facility.

Following the inspection, the multi-agency team recommended the immediate closure of Ehsan Rehabilitation Centre.

The matter has since been referred to law enforcement agencies for further investigations into the alleged offences and the conduct of the facility's operators.

The operation forms part of NACADA's ongoing nationwide crackdown on rehabilitation centres suspected of operating illegally or failing to meet the standards required to provide treatment and care.