A Nairobi university student has been taken into police custody following a raid along Koinange Street, prompting a public plea for assistance from a concerned partner. The incident occurred during a late-night operation targeting suspected prostitutes, but the student, identified as Irene, was allegedly caught in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Urgent Online Appeal
The appeal was made by Siluz Tesh on the Facebook group NAIROBI COMRADES FORUM, addressing his plea directly to Nairobi County Chief Officer for Environment, Geoffrey Mosiria. Tesh explained that Irene, a third-year University of Nairobi BA student, was detained around 1 a.m. while purchasing Panadol from a city chemist due to the late hour.
“She is not a prostitute and was in the wrong place at the wrong time,” Tesh wrote, emphasizing that her wrongful arrest was disrupting her studies. He included a photo of Irene to assist authorities in identifying her.
Chief Officer’s Response
Chief Officer Mosiria responded promptly, instructing anyone with information on Irene’s whereabouts to contact him immediately. Highlighting the duty to support students, he said: “A comrade must be helped to get back what belongs to him so that he can concentrate in class.” His intervention underscores a proactive approach to protecting citizens from wrongful detention and safeguarding student rights.
Broader Implications
Irene’s case has sparked discussions about the challenges faced by individuals caught in law enforcement sweeps. While police operations aim to enforce law and order, incidents like this highlight the potential for innocent civilians to be mistakenly detained.
Ongoing Efforts
With Mosiria’s pledge, efforts are underway to secure Irene’s release and allow her to return to her academic pursuits. The case also demonstrates the power of social media in mobilizing rapid responses from authorities during urgent community matters.
