The police in Nakuru County have arrested two people suspected to have tortured a 14-year-old boy after he was circumcised.
County police commander Stephen Matu said the two suspects who are in police custody had allegedly tortured the minor as a way of ‘hardening’ him after circumcision.
The boy who sat for his Kenya Certificate of Primary Education this year had suffered serious injuries at the hands of his caregivers and was taken to Nakuru Provincial General Hospital for treatment.
The minor’s body was swollen and had multiple cuts on both limbs, fresh bruises on his knees and cannot walk and sit properly due to injuries he had sustained.
Matu said they will take action against anyone tormenting and beating up circumcised boys.
The police commander said investigations into the incident is ongoing and that the two suspects will face the law.
“It is unfortunate that the teenager is undergoing treatment because of injuries he was subjected to in hands of caregivers. We shall not entertain anybody who harms minors as a way of instilling endurance in them,” said Matu as quoted by standardmedia.co.ke.
The matter was reported at Mwariki Police Station by the boy’s family after the father noticed that his son was walking with difficulties only to discover that he had severe injuries on the body and private parts.
The minor who was speaking from his hospital bed said he was circumcised by a medical officer on November 19 at their home in Mzee Wanyama area, Nakuru Town East.
Speaking to the press, the boy said his caregivers started torturing him after the initiation ceremony claiming it was a form of discipline to usher him into adulthood.
“I am in deep pain. The caregivers used to beat me and make cuts on both my legs with kitchen knife and would poke me with broken bottles,” said the boy.
Dr George Ngare, a medical officer at the institution said the treatment is going well and that the boy will be taken through physiotherapy.
“The patient is responding well to treatment and can sit, not so stable, but with time, he will be able to operate independently,” said Dr Ngare.