A 26-year-old woman, Bernice Achieng, was arrested at Buruburu Police Station in Nairobi after police found bhang hidden inside a loaf of bread she had brought for her detained boyfriend. According to police, Achieng went to the report office desk and asked officers to pass the bread to her boyfriend, who is in custody. The package was unsealed, which raised the officers' suspicion.
On inspection, officers found 5 rolls of bhang and a matchbox buried deep inside the bread. A search of Achieng then turned up another 7 rolls in her jacket pocket, bringing the total recovered to 12 rolls. Police arrested Achieng and secured the items as exhibits. She is set to be arraigned in court. The incident occurred on Monday, September 21.
This is not the first time an attempt has been made to smuggle contraband into a police station. A similar incident occurred at Ruai Police Station days before Achieng's arrest. An 18-year-old woman, Christine Njoki Gitau, attempted to smuggle escape tools to 3 suspects held in remand. Gitau arrived at the station reception with a plate of rice and meat and asked to visit 3 friends.
The three suspects, Emmanuel Bosire, Ismael Arisa, and Brian Gatheru, were being held over allegations of running an anonymous TikTok page to lure young women into meetings before robbing and gang-raping them. During a routine inspection, the cell sentry found a pair of pliers and a shear beneath the rice. Gitau was arrested, and detectives have launched an investigation into possible accomplices.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has reminded the public that aiding or attempting to aid an escape from lawful custody is a serious criminal offense punishable by law. The DCI's warning comes after the two incidents at Buruburu and Ruai police stations. Authorities are taking the incidents seriously and are urging the public to cooperate with the law.
Bernice Achieng's boyfriend is currently in custody, but his charges are not specified. Achieng's actions could lead to additional charges for her boyfriend. The incident highlights the need for strict security measures at police stations to prevent such attempts. Authorities are reviewing their security protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The two incidents have raised concerns about the security of police stations in Nairobi. Authorities are urging the public to report any suspicious activities to the police. The cases will be closely monitored, and those found guilty will face the consequences of the law.
Key points
- A 26-year-old woman was arrested at Buruburu Police Station for smuggling bhang to her detained boyfriend.
- This is not the first time an attempt has been made to smuggle contraband into a police station in Nairobi.
- Aiding or attempting to aid an escape from lawful custody is a serious criminal offense punishable by law.
