By Nyang’au Araka
It’s not every day that a young Kenyan daughter finds herself penning an open letter to the Inspector General of Police and the Chairperson of IPOA.
But for Linda Mwanga, the urgency of her father’s health and freedom left her with no other choice.
She has written an open letter addressed to the senior government officers David Kanja and Ann Wanjiku respectifully.
Her father, Stephen Okoth Mwanga, was arrested on April 1 while driving in Nairobi’s Upper Hill area.
Since then, Linda says he has been held at Langata Police Station under troubling circumstances.
“My father must receive medical attention immediately. In any case you have not charged him with anything,” she wrote in her appeal.
Mwanga had been diagnosed with pneumonia earlier in the week, and Linda claims his condition is worsening without treatment.
“I am apprehensive that he can die in the cells as has happened to others. This is in the public domain. People die in cells,” she stated.
The letter also raises questions about due process, with Linda alleging that police delayed officially booking her father until 1 a.m. the following day, a move she believes was meant to prolong his detention.
The police decided to book him at 1am on Thursday so that they can cheat on time of arrest and keep him in the cells till Tuesday. Very callous,” she stated.
“This is a plea from a daughter in distress that has not slept since Wednesday” she said.
“At the very least, if you have a daughter, you should act humanely.
She also offered to cover all medical expenses if her father is allowed treatment.