Nyandarua: Suspect’s death in custody sparks fresh outrage against police

Simon Thumbi, 44, was found dead, hanging from a shirt tied to the inner padlock of the cell door. [Photo: File)

By Lucy Mumbi
Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Officers conducting a routine check at 12:46pm found the suspect Simon Ndubi dead inside the cell. A police report indicated he was found hanging from a shirt that had allegedly been tied to the inner padlock of the cell door.

A 44-year-old man has allegedly died in police custody at Turasha Police Post, Nyandarua County, under unclear circumstances, prompting his family and local leaders to demand a thorough investigation into the incident.

The deceased, identified as Ruigi Ndubi, was reportedly arrested on June 23 for allegedly obstructing police officers in the line of duty. According to a police report, Ndubi appeared intoxicated at the time of arrest.

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“One suspect, namely Simon Thumbi, aged about 44 years, had been arrested by police officers today under OB No. 6/23/6/2025 and placed in custody for the offence of obstructing police officers while performing their duty. He appeared to be drunk,” reads part of the report.

According to the report, officers conducting a routine check at 12:46pm found Ndubi dead inside the cell. It stated that he was found hanging from a shirt that had allegedly been tied to the inner padlock of the cell door.

However, his family has disputed the official version of events, calling the circumstances surrounding the death suspicious. Relatives claim Ndubi was discovered kneeling on the floor, which they argue is inconsistent with the claim that he hanged himself.

“It doesn’t make sense. The place they are describing is barely a foot high. They claim he tied his shirt to a padlock and hanged himself, which is impossible,” Simon Irungu, a relative, said in an interview with Inooro TV.

“We don’t even know who arrested him. We’re hearing he was picked up while heading to a nearby shopping centre.”

Githioro Ward MCA Isaac Mbae has joined the family in demanding an impartial investigation, calling on the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to take over the case.

“A middle-aged man was arrested by police in Turasha and later died in custody. We urge IPOA and DCI to investigate because the explanation of how he allegedly hanged himself doesn’t add up—he was found on his knees,” Mbae told reporters.

Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia condemned what she termed a worrying rise in police brutality, urging the national government to act swiftly.

“We are appealing to the president to protect Kenyans. It cannot be that those tasked with our safety have now become the greatest threat,” Muhia said.

She also voiced concerns over the planned post-mortem, warning against any attempt to rush the process without full transparency.

Ndubi’s death adds to growing national outrage following the recent death of 31-year-old blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang, who also died while in police custody at Nairobi’s Central Police Station.

Ojwang's arrest, linked to an online post about Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat, sparked widespread protests led by Gen Z activists.

DIG Lagat has since stepped aside to allow investigations to proceed, maintaining his innocence. Meanwhile, three police officers have been charged with Ojwang’s murder.