Bishop Joshua Simon Kamau addresses journalists outside the police station along Kenyatta Road in Juja. Photo/Lawrence Ongaro.
By Lawrence Ongaro
A family in Juja has finally found relief after their son was released on free bond from Kays Police Station along Kenyatta Road in Kiambu County.
Twenty-year-old Maxwel Njoroge Njuguna was accused at his workplace, a retail shop, of stealing three Tropical sweets.
Without what the family describes as a thorough investigation, Njuguna was taken to the police station, where he was detained for two consecutive days, from the evening of June 8 until the afternoon of June 10.
However, the young man’s father, Haron Njoroge, praised journalists who accompanied him to the station, where his son was eventually released.
“My son has worked at that shop for more than two years with honesty and humility. I have never heard of him committing any wrongdoing. Being found with sweets was merely an excuse,” said the parent.
It is also surprising, he added, that the shop owner claims other goods worth Sh34,000 have been disappearing.
He said the decision to release the young man was commendable because the accusation of stealing three sweets had no basis.
According to Njuguna, he has never stolen anything from the shop and believes the allegation was merely an excuse to dismiss him from employment.
“Many workers go through similar hardships of being falsely accused, and that seems to be the trend there,” explained Njuguna.
Calls for justice and fair treatment of workers
Bishop Joshua Simon Kamau condemned the incident, saying justice must be served fairly to everyone without discrimination.
“In this country, there are many corruption cases, yet those responsible are not taken to court. It is important to protect our young people from continuing to suffer such hardships,” said the cleric.
Read more: Why Were’s murder is the biggest test to Ruto-Raila pact
He added that young people deserve proper guidance and support rather than mistreatment.
Another parent who accompanied Njuguna’s father, Mr. Kibe Ng’ang’a, described the ordeal as unfortunate, saying it had caused the young man emotional distress after spending two consecutive days in police custody.
He argued that under the law, any suspect should be presented before a court within 24 hours and not be detained beyond that period without due process.
Ng’ang’a noted that numerous corruption scandals continue to be exposed in the country, yet few individuals are prosecuted.
He called on employers to act fairly and avoid mistreating their workers.
“If there is any wrongdoing at the workplace, it should be resolved respectfully without creating hostility and hatred,” said Mr. Ng’ang’a.
About the Author
