13/01/2026
DANGEROUS CONDITIONS AT SERETUNIN CHIEF’S OFFICE CELL RAISE ALARM
Cracked Walls and Collapsing Roof Put Detainees at Serious Risk
Yesterday, I managed to take photographs inside the Seretunin Chief’s Office holding cell, and what I witnessed is deeply worrying. The condition of the cell poses a serious danger to any person who may be arrested and detained there. The walls at the top of the cell are visibly cracked, and the cement around the roof is weak and unstable, showing clear signs of poor workmanship and neglect.
The most alarming issue is the roof itself. The cement on top appears to be almost collapsing. When touched, the roof vibrates and feels loose, as if it could fall at any moment. This creates a life-threatening situation for anyone inside the cell, as a collapse could easily result in severe head injuries or even death. A detention facility is supposed to provide safety and security, not expose detainees to avoidable harm.
Holding cells fall under critical public infrastructure, and their construction should meet strict safety standards. The current state of the Seretunin Chief’s Office cell suggests that these standards were either ignored or poorly implemented. The cracks and weak roofing point to substandard materials, rushed work, or lack of proper supervision during construction.
The contractors responsible for building this cell should be held fully accountable for such poor construction. Public funds are meant to serve the people, not to produce unsafe structures that endanger lives. Relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Interior and the Kenya Police Service, should urgently inspect the facility and take immediate action to prevent potential tragedy.
Until repairs or reconstruction are done, this cell should not be used to detain anyone. Human rights and safety apply to every person, including those under arrest. Ignoring this problem could lead to irreversible consequences. The safety of detainees, officers, and the public must come first, and urgent intervention is long overdue.