A senior police officer in Nyandarua County has been interdicted after a seven-month pregnant woman, Milka Wangari, suffered a miscarriage while being held at Rwanyambo Police Post.
The National Police Service (NPS) confirmed the interdiction of the Officer Commanding Station (OCS), calling the incident “unfortunate” and pledging a swift, impartial, and transparent investigation.
“Investigations have been launched by the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU), in collaboration with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident,” said NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga in a statement.
Wangari, a casual worker, had been arrested following a complaint from her employer, who accused her of failing to account for KSh 18,000 in daily sales. According to her family, most of the amount had already been raised, and the actual shortfall was KSh 9,000. Despite this, police officers and the complainant insisted she remain in custody until the full amount was repaid.
Family members say Wangari was visibly pregnant and had complained of abdominal pain, but was detained overnight without medical attention. Around 1 a.m., she called her sister and said she was bleeding heavily. When her sister arrived at the station, officers reportedly denied her access.
By morning, Wangari had miscarried in her cell and was still being held without treatment. She was later taken to hospital. The incident has triggered public outrage and renewed questions over how police handle vulnerable detainees, especially women.
Speaking in Parliament, Nyandarua Senator John Methu condemned the incident, calling it a “preventable tragedy.” He added that the case of Wangari is deeply distressing and reflects the harsh realities Kenyans face at the hands of a cruel and unaccountable National Police Service.
“She was in pain. She begged for help. We cannot have a system that treats pregnant women in custody as less than human. IPOA must act to weed out rogue officers tarnishing the image of the national police,” he said.
IPOA has since opened a formal inquiry as part of a broader investigation into 18 reported deaths and serious incidents in police custody this year. The miscarriage follows the recent death of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang’ at Nairobi’s Central Police Station, another case under IPOA review.
The interdicted officer will remain suspended pending the outcome of investigations. The NPS has promised to issue updates as the case develops and reiterated its commitment to human rights, accountability, and the rule of law.