Nyahururu Landlord Welds Door, Traps Minor Over Rent Arrears

In Nyahururu town, a 14-year-old girl who was supposed to commence her secondary education this year found herself trapped inside a rented house due to overdue rent amounting to Sh15,000.

The landlord's agent took the extreme measure of welding the door shut while the minor was asleep inside, effectively imprisoning her. This drastic action was taken despite the girl's mother being hospitalized and the family's inability to pay rent, water, and electricity bills for three months due to financial constraints. Distressed by her confinement, the girl raised an alarm that alerted concerned neighbours. In a display of compassion, the community rallied to her aid, providing sustenance through the window while making efforts to locate the landlord and his agents.

"My mother, who is a casual labourer, has been unwell for some time, in and out of Nyahururu Hospital. When I was locked up, she was still in hospital. We've been living here for over five years and have always paid the rent on time," said the minor.

However, their pleas for the girl's release were met with unyielding resistance, prompting the residents to take decisive action to free her. Neighbour Benson Njenga expressed outrage at the situation, describing it as barbaric. Igwamiti Ward MCA Irene Wachuka led the rescue operation and condemned the incident, questioning the agents' understanding of the pain they inflicted upon the minor and criticizing their excessive punishment.

Wachuka further reveals that the girl's mother had recently given birth and was still recovering in the hospital, compounding the family's challenges. In the wake of this incident, the community demands justice and accountability for the abuse endured by the minor at the hands of those entrusted with providing shelter.

"What if the girl had been in an emergency? Do they understand the pain they put the girl through? They should have ordered the girl out of the house, not locked her in. Welding the door was an excessive punishment that caused unnecessary suffering," she said.