Faith Odhiambo decries injustice after visiting 17-year-old boy abused in police custody
By David Nthua, October 28, 2025Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo has condemned the alleged torture and unlawful sentencing of a 17-year-old student in Narok, terming it a grave violation of children’s rights and the Constitution.
Odhiambo visited Felix Senet Tanoka, a Form Two student receiving treatment at the Narok County Referral Hospital while under police custody.
Felix was arrested on October 10, 2025, and arraigned three days later, where he was charged with breaking into a building and committing a felony.
LSK president condemns failure to protect the minor
Odhiambo expressed regret via a post on X on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, describing Felix’s ordeal as shocking and unacceptable.
She said the teenager sustained serious injuries allegedly inflicted by police officers while in custody and that he complained his abuser was present during his court appearance.
She noted that Felix was neither afforded legal counsel nor accompanied by a parent or guardian during plea taking. Despite his age and medical condition, the Magistrate’s Court in Narok proceeded to sentence him.
Odhiambo said the situation undermines the best interests of the child and goes against the Constitution.
She added that such actions expose systemic failures in how minors in conflict with the law are treated.
“The injuries he is nursing were allegedly sustained as a result of physical abuse while in police custody, and he complained that his abuser was present during his court appearance.
“He was neither afforded legal counsel nor were his parents or guardians present during plea taking.
“We are shocked that the Magistrates’ Court in Narok proceeded to sentence him without taking into account his age, condition, or the legal safeguards designed to protect minors in conflict with the law,” the LSK boss wrote on X.
LSK to take legal action over rights abuse
The LSK president announced that the society has instructed an advocate to pursue all legal avenues to ensure justice for Felix.
She said those responsible for the abuse and unlawful sentencing must be held accountable.
Odhiambo reaffirmed LSK’s commitment to protecting minors and upholding due process within the justice system.
She urged state agencies and judicial officers to follow the safeguards designed to protect children’s rights strictly.
The case has triggered outrage among human rights groups and child protection advocates, who are calling for a thorough investigation into the abuse and the circumstances leading to the boy’s sentencing.