Police in Nyahururu have arrested a 34-year-old man for allegedly repeatedly assaulting his child and causing him serious bodily harm.
Samwel Gachera Wachege is said to have been beating the child, aged two years, since his mother left them about seven months ago.
According to Nyandarua North OCPD Timon Ondingo, the alleged assault was reported to the police by members of the public.
On Tuesday night, the suspect was roughed up by a mob that also rescued the child before police officers intervened.
The angry residents escorted the suspect to Maina Village Administration Police Camp while baying for his blood. He was locked up in the camp before being taken to Nyahururu Police Station where he is being held while police investigate the matter.
HABITUAL DRUNK
The OCPD said the child had serious injuries inflicted over an unknown period, adding that the minor has since been admitted to the Nyahururu County and Referral Hospital for treatment.
“Members of the public had reported that a man was mistreating his child by frequently beating him. When we got there, we found the angry residents attempting to lynch him but we intervened and arrested him,” said the OCPD.
Mr Ondingo said the child appeared malnourished and in serious pain. He was picked and handed over to Children’s Department officers who will take care of him after he is discharged from hospital.
The officer also said that reports indicated that the suspect was a habitual drunk.
He urged members of the public to report such cases to the authorities for immediate action to ensure that the rights of children were protected.
The suspect will appear in court tomorrow and will be charged with several counts of assault, causing actual bodily harm to a child and child neglect among others.
