Quote from Lawyer on August 14, 2025, 6:30 am

On August 13, 2025, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen addressed the National Assembly, revealing that at least 10 Kenyans have died in police custody over the past five months. The statement came in response to a question raised by Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo, who sought details on the number of deaths in police custody and the reasons behind them. Murkomen provided a detailed account of the cases and outlined measures being implemented to prevent further incidents.

Murkomen disclosed the names and circumstances surrounding the deaths of the 10 individuals:

1. Albert Omondi Ojwang: Died in May at Central Police Station in Nairobi, where he was held on charges of publishing false and malicious information.

2. Douglas Simiyu Barasa: Reportedly died by hanging on cell grills using his vest in May at Central Police Station in Kakamega. He was detained for stock theft. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is investigating.

3. Joseph Otieno Oduor: Died by hanging on a water metal pipe with a shirt in June at Ukwala Police Station. He was held for defilement. The case is under IPOA investigation.

4. Timon Otieno: Allegedly died by suicide, hanging himself with a shirt on a washroom door in April at Homabay Police Station. He was detained for malicious damage.

5. Calvince Omondi: Allegedly died by suicide, hanging himself with his trousers on a metal bar in April at Kipasi Police Post.

6. Benard Mwanthe Kivinda: Died of strangulation in May at Eastern Mitaboni Police Post. He was in custody for defilement.

7. Daniel Makau: Reportedly died by suicide in March at Nguluni Police Post. He was detained for malicious property damage.

8. Silvester Mwangonji Mwandiwe: Allegedly died by suicide using his jumper in April at Werugha Patrol Base.

9. Peter Wamwea Wangagi: Reportedly died by hanging himself with a long-sleeved shirt tied to ventilation grills in March at Central Kangurwe Police Station.

10. Peter Mburu Mwangi: Died in May at Kirwara Police Station, allegedly by hanging himself with a vest tied around his neck on a cell grill. He was detained for threatening to kill.

Murkomen outlined several reforms aimed at improving the safety and welfare of detainees in police custody. These measures include:

• Daily Cell Inspections: Senior officers now conduct daily inspections to ensure the safety, cleanliness, and welfare of detainees, with all observations documented.

• Limited Custody Duration: The National Police Service has implemented measures to ensure suspects are not held beyond the legal 24-hour limit.

• Training and Sensitization: Continuous training and sensitization programs for police officers focus on the legal rights and humane treatment of detainees. These are conducted through daily parades and scheduled lectures.

• Controlled Admission and Documentation: No suspect is admitted to police cells without the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) being informed, ensuring proper custody registers and occurrence book entries for accountability.

• Pre-Detention Screening: Arrested individuals undergo screening to identify mental health risks, with ongoing monitoring and access to mental health professionals for those showing signs of distress or suicidal ideation.

• Safe Cell Environments: Regular cell supervision ensures environments are free from items that could be used for self-harm, such as ropes or cleaning materials. Open communication protocols are also in place to minimize the risk of self-harm.

• CCTV Installation: Murkomen announced a program to install CCTV cameras in all police stations to enhance monitoring and accountability.

The deaths have raised significant concerns about police conduct and the treatment of suspects in custody. Many of the cases involve allegations of suicide, with several individuals reportedly using clothing or other materials to hang themselves. These incidents have prompted investigations by the IPOA, particularly in cases like those of Douglas Simiyu Barasa and Joseph Otieno Oduor, where questions about the circumstances of their deaths remain unresolved.

The Interior Ministry’s response comes amid broader scrutiny of police practices in Kenya. Public outrage over alleged police brutality and extrajudicial actions has intensified, with activists and lawmakers demanding greater accountability. Murkomen emphasized that the National Police Service is working to address these issues through systemic reforms and improved oversight.

The Interior Ministry’s acknowledgment of these deaths and the outlined reforms signal an effort to address systemic issues within police custody facilities. However, the high number of deaths in such a short period has sparked calls for deeper investigations and stricter measures to prevent future incidents. The installation of CCTV cameras and enhanced mental health screenings are steps toward transparency, but their effectiveness will depend on consistent implementation and oversight.

As the IPOA continues its investigations into several of these cases, the public and lawmakers alike will be watching closely to ensure that justice is served and that police stations become safer for all detainees.