10 Kenyans died in police custody in last five months, Murkomen tells MPs

Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen before the National Assembly to respond to questions relating to the state of security in the country on August 13, 2025. (Photo: MINA)

By Mary Wambui
Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Mukomen said daily cell inspections are now conducted by senior officers to ensure the safety, cleanliness and welfare of detainees with all observations documented.

At least 10 Kenyans have died in police custody in the last five months, the Interior Ministry confirmed on Friday.

In a response to Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo's question on people who have died in police custody in the last five months and the various reasons for their deaths, Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Mukomen gave their full details.

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The 10 include;

Albert Omondi Ojwang, who died at the Central Police Station cells in Nairobi in May, where he had been held on claims of publishing false and malicious information.

Douglas Simiyu Barasa, who reportedly died by hanging on the cell grills at the Central Police station in Kakamega, using his vest in May. He was being held over Stock theft. The matter is being probed by IPOA.

At Ukwala Police Station, one Joseph Otieno Oduor died by hanging on a water metal pipe with a shirt in June. He was being held for defilement. The matter is pending under investigation by IPOA.

At Homabay Police Station, Timon Otieno also allegedly died by suicide after hanging himself using a shirt on the door to the washroom in April. He was being detained for malicious damage.

At Kipasi Police Post, Calvince Omondi also allegedly died by suicide after hanging himself using his trousers on the metal bar in April, while at Eastern Mitaboni Police Post, Benard Mwanthe Kivinda died of strangulation in May. He was in custody for defilement.

At Nguluni Police Post, Daniel Makau is said to have died by suicide in March. He was in custody for malicious property damage.

At Werugha Patrol Base, Silvester Mwangonji Mwandiwe also allegedly died by suicide using his jumper while at Central Kangurwe Police Station in April, while Peter Wamwea Wangagi is said to have died by hanging himself using his long-sleeved shirt tied to the ventilation grills in the cell in March.

At Kirwara Police Station, Peter Mburu Mwangi died allegedly by hanging himself using a vest tied around his neck on a grill of the cell in May. He had been detained for the offence of threatening to kill.

As for the actions being taken by the National Police Service to ensure protection of suspects while in police custody, Mukomen said daily cell inspections are now conducted by senior officers to ensure the safety, cleanliness and welfare of detainees, with all observations documented.

The service has also limited custody duration to ensure suspects are not held beyond the legal 24-hour limit.

"Continuous training and sensitisation of police officers on the legal rights and humane treatment of detainees are conducted through daily parades and scheduled lectures, there will also be controlled admission and proper documentation with no suspect getting admitted into the station cells without the OCS being informed, therefore, ensuring proper custody registers and occurrence book entries are maintained for accountability," said Murkomen.

Arrested persons will also be undergoing pre-detention screening to identify mental health risks, with ongoing monitoring and timely access to mental health professionals for those showing signs of distress or suicidal ideation.