Koigi Wamwere. | image source: the-star.co.ke
Former Subukia MP Koigi Wamwere has been awarded KES 12 million as compensation for torture while in detention between 1975 and 1982.
The amount was increased from KES 2.5 million, granted by High Court judge Mumbi Ngugi in 2012, following an appeal by Wamwere.
In their ruling on Friday, Appeal Court judges Phillip Waki, Paul Kiage and J Mohammed said the previous amount was inadequate.
They noted that no amount of money can "erase the scarring of the soul and deprivation of the dignity" he endured.
They said he is entitled to the amount with interest at court rates from the date of judgment on the appeal.
Wamwere was detained three times – between August 9, 1975 and December 12, 1978, August 5, 1982 and December 12, 1984 and at Nyayo House torture chambers for eight days from October 8, 1990.
He told the court he was beaten, denied food and water and left naked.
He said Justice Ngugi failed to award him damages despite finding out that he was held under deplorable conditions.
- The STAR