A 14-year-old boy has been rescued from the Ehsan Rehabilitation Centre in Kajiado County. The rescue followed a multi-agency operation, led by NACADA, which uncovered allegations of child abuse, physical assault, illegal detention, and serious violations of patients’ rights, prompting authorities to recommend the facility’s immediate closure.
The underage boy was discovered during a dawn raid and was among several victims rescued from the six-month-old rehabilitation centre. Investigators reported that the facility had been admitting minors without the legal safeguards, specialised services, or child protection measures required by law.
The operation also led to the rescue of eight foreign nationals who were allegedly being held unlawfully at the centre.
According to NACADA, investigators established that the minor had been subjected to physical assault while under the facility’s care, raising significant concerns about the treatment of vulnerable patients.
NACADA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Anthony Omerikwa condemned the alleged abuse, describing the admission and mistreatment of the child as a gross violation of children’s rights.
“We strongly condemn the admission of a 14-year-old child into a rehabilitation facility under circumstances indicating the minor had been subjected to physical assault. Such actions constitute a grave violation of the rights and welfare of the child and are contrary to the standards governing treatment and rehabilitation services in Kenya,” Dr Omerikwa stated.
He confirmed that the child was immediately rescued and handed over to the Department of Children Services for protection, care, and further intervention.
The inspection further revealed that the rehabilitation centre was operating beyond its licensed scope. It was admitting and treating patients suffering from severe mental illnesses, including schizophrenia, despite lacking a psychiatrist or the specialised medical capacity required to safely manage such conditions.
Investigators also discovered a “strong room” allegedly used to confine clients. Authorities stated that this practice violated patients’ rights and dignity and could amount to cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.
“Rehabilitation is a voluntary, therapeutic process founded on respect for human dignity, individual rights, and professional standards of care. The involuntary detention of clients, including foreign nationals, without lawful authority or due process is unacceptable and contrary to the principles of ethical treatment,” Dr Omerikwa explained.
He added that every person seeking treatment deserves to receive care that is lawful, humane, and respectful of their dignity.
“No person seeking help for substance use disorders should be deprived of their liberty unlawfully. Whether Kenyan or foreign, every client deserves to be treated with dignity, compassion, and in accordance with the law,” he affirmed.
Following the findings, the multi-agency inspection team recommended the immediate closure of Ehsan Rehabilitation Centre. The matter has been referred to law enforcement agencies for further investigations and potential prosecution of those responsible.
NACADA said the operation forms part of an intensified nationwide crackdown on rogue rehabilitation facilities. The agency warned that institutions found violating the law or endangering patients, particularly children and other vulnerable persons, will face firm regulatory and legal action.
