The disturbing revelations from the Ehsan Rehabilitation Centre in Kajiado County have deepened following the discovery of a 14-year-old minor among the victims.
The underage boy, who was rescued during the NACADA-led dawn raid, has become the cornerstone of the case for the facility’s immediate closure, exposing a litany of grave violations including physical assault, unlawful detention, and the mistreatment of vulnerable patients.
The operation, which previously led to the rescue of eight foreign nationals, uncovered that the six-month-old facility had been admitting underage clients without any evidence of appropriate legal safeguards, specialized services, or compliance with applicable child protection requirements.
However, the situation was far worse than initially suspected, as the minor was found to have been subjected to physical assault while in the facility’s care.
NACADA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Anthony Omerikwa condemned the actions in the strongest terms.
“We strongly condemn the admission of a 14-year-old child into a rehabilitation facility under circumstances that indicated the minor had been subjected to physical assault. Such actions constitute a grave violation of the rights and welfare of the child and are contrary to the standards governing treatment and rehabilitation services in Kenya,” Dr. Omerikwa stated.
Upon discovery, the minor was immediately rescued and handed over to the Department of Children Services for appropriate care, protection, and further intervention.
“We will continue to work closely with relevant agencies to ensure that any institution found endangering children or operating outside the law is held fully accountable.”
The inspection further revealed that the facility was operating far outside its scope of practice. Investigators found that Ehsan Rehabilitation Centre was admitting and managing clients with severe mental illnesses, including schizophrenia, despite lacking a psychiatrist or the specialised capacity required to manage such conditions safely.
This reckless practice exposed patients to significant health risks, as they were being treated without qualified medical oversight.
Compounding these failures were allegations of severe client rights violations. The multi-agency team discovered the presence of a “strong room” used to confine clients, a practice that is inconsistent with acceptable treatment standards.
The existence and use of such a room infringe on clients’ rights and dignity and may constitute cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment. Patients were being punished rather than rehabilitated, confirming that the facility operated more as a detention centre than a place of healing.
Dr. Omerikwa reiterated that such abuses would not be tolerated.
“Rehabilitation is a voluntary, therapeutic process founded on respect for human dignity, individual rights, and professional standards of care. The involuntary detention of clients, including foreign nationals, without lawful authority or due process is unacceptable and contrary to the principles of ethical treatment.” He added, “No person seeking help for substance use disorders should be deprived of their liberty unlawfully. Whether Kenyan or foreign, every client deserves to be treated with dignity, compassion, and in accordance with the law.”
The multi-agency team has officially recommended the immediate closure of Ehsan Rehabilitation Centre. The case has been flagged for further investigation by law enforcement to ensure the operators are held fully accountable.
This rescue mission serves as a clear signal that the exploitation of vulnerable individuals, especially children, seeking recovery will not be tolerated. NACADA has intensified its nationwide crackdown on rogue operators, warning that any facility found violating the law or endangering the welfare of clients will face firm regulatory and legal action.
