DCI arrests three suspects in connection with Mercy Cherono’s assault
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has arrested three suspects who allegedly assaulted Mercy Cherono.
DCI will investigate the three for whipping and dragging Cherono using a motorbike for allegedly stealing from a police officer.
“Three @PoliceKE officers were yesterday arrested by @DCI_Kenya detectives following the circulation of a video depicting a woman being whipped & dragged on a motorbike in Kuresoi South Sub-County. The suspects are in lawful custody helping with further investigations into the matter,” read a DCI tweet.
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What really happened
In a video circulating on social media, Cherono pleads for mercy as a motorbike drags her. The 21-year-old says that a police officer from a local police station is responsible for the heinous act. The mother of one says that the officer picked her up at her house in Olenguruone town on Sunday.
The officer allegedly tied her hands using a rope and attached it to his motorbike. The officer dragged Cherono on a 10km murram road and left her clothes tattered. Cherono says the officer hit her with a club as he demanded to know where she had taken his items.
“The policeman suspected I was among people who broke into his house and stole the items that Sunday morning. He said I had to be punished as he dragged me around, “Cherono told the Standard.
The crowd intervened and took her to Olenguruone Sub-County Hospital for treatment.
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Area police officers have denied Cherono’s account
Area police have denied Cherono’s account and claimed that a mob attacked her.
“Records at the station show that the lady was a victim of mob justice contrary to claims that an officer attacked her. The report says she was found stealing at an officer’s house,” area OCPD Henry Nyaranga said.
Nyaranga has launched investigations to establish the circumstances that led to her injuries.
Olenguruone Sub-County Hospital Superintendent Solomon Bera said the woman has a broken leg, soft tissue injuries on the arm and a wound on the head.
“I believe the victim is very lucky that she is still here with us. The attack was brutal,” Dr Bera said.
Cherono’s mother, Catherine Cherotich now wants justice to prevail.
“If someone has stolen, it’s good to take another action to solve what they have done,” Ms Cherotich told the press.
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