In a shocking revelation, the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has shut down the Better Me Rehabilitation Centre in Meru County over multiple allegations including torture of minors, illegal detention, and gross neglect. The Star+1
A multi-agency raid early Wednesday uncovered patients forced to sleep on bare floors using worn-out blankets, with little to no medical attention or counselling. Overcrowded and unsanitary, the centre lacked qualified health professionals or licensed therapists. Some residents had been held inside the facility for over a year without access to their families. The Standard+1
Guarding the closure, NACADA arrested the facility manager, Thomas Edwin, and a staff member. The proprietor, Dr. Kelvin Ouko, remains at large. With collaboration from police and health departments, all patients were rescued and placed under temporary protective custody at a police station until families are notified. The Standard+1
CEO Anthony Omerikwa warned that operating unlicensed and exploitative rehabilitation centres is both illegal and immoral. He pledged stronger inspections and introduced a Community-Based Rehabilitation Framework focused on safe and accessible treatment. Kenyans are urged to report similar rogue institutions. The Standard+1
