The Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Lumakanda Police Station in Lugari Sub-County, Wycliffe Kwendo, has been remanded in custody until October 1, 2026, after being charged with alleged defilement of a 14-year-old girl. Kwendo appeared before Senior Resident Magistrate Dorcas Mac'andere on September 30, 2026, and the prosecution opposed his release on bail or bond, citing the serious nature of the allegations. The alleged offences took place between September 24 and 27, 2026.
According to prosecution counsel Ian Makotsi and Prudence Lelei, the alleged defilement involved a 14-year-old girl in Lugari Sub-County. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) stated that Kwendo faces charges of defilement, an alternative count of committing an indecent act with a child, and abuse of a position of authority. The main defilement charge was brought under Section 8(1), read together with Section 8(3) of the Sexual Offences Act No. 3 of 2006.
The second charge, which is an alternative to the defilement count, is based on Section 11(1) of the Act and relates to an alleged indecent act with a child. Kwendo is also accused of abusing a position of authority under Section 24(2) of the Sexual Offences Act. The prosecution maintained that the nature of the charges warranted the police officer remaining in custody as the court considered the request for bail and bond.
After hearing the submissions, Magistrate Mac'andere directed that Kwendo be remanded until October 1, 2026. The court is expected to determine the terms, if any, under which the accused may be released when the matter comes up on Thursday. Kwendo has not been convicted of any offence arising from the allegations and remains presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.
The case has attracted attention from various stakeholders, including the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA), which has taken over the investigation. The IPOA is expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations and determine whether Kwendo's actions were in line with the code of conduct for police officers.
The alleged defilement of a minor has sparked outrage in the community, with many calling for swift action to be taken against the accused. The case has also raised concerns about the safety and security of children in the region, with many demanding increased measures to protect vulnerable populations.
The court is expected to continue hearing the case on October 1, 2026, when it will determine the terms of Kwendo's release, if any. The accused will remain in custody until then, as the court considers the prosecution's opposition to his release on bail or bond.
Key points
- The Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Lumakanda Police Station, Wycliffe Kwendo, has been charged with defilement, an alternative count of committing an indecent act with a child, and abuse of a position of authority.
- The alleged offences took place between September 24 and 27, 2026, and involved a 14-year-old girl in Lugari Sub-County.
- The court has remanded Kwendo in custody until October 1, 2026, to determine the terms of his release, if any.
