Vocal Africa demands suspension of Mombasa OCS over Simon Warui’s death in custody
Vocal Africa CEO Hussein Khalid condemned what he termed growing police impunity, questioning why the OCS and officers on duty the night Warui died have not been suspended.
Human rights organisation Vocal Africa has raised concerns over the death of Simon Warui at the Central Police Station in Mombasa, demanding the suspension of the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) and other officers who were on duty during the incident.
The group criticised the lack of action against those involved, insisting their suspension is necessary to allow for thorough investigations.
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Speaking to journalists, Vocal Africa CEO Hussein Khalid condemned what he described as growing impunity within the police service. He questioned why the OCS and officers who were present on the night Warui died have not yet been suspended.
Warui, a father of a three-year-old, had been reported missing from his home in Umoja I Estate, Nairobi, on 14 September.
Traced to police station
His family later traced him to the Central Police Station in Mombasa, where they were informed that he had died in custody. Police claimed he died while attempting to escape.
"We fail to understand why, a week later, no action has been taken. By now, the OCS of Central Police Station in Mombasa should have been suspended. The officers present on the night Simon Warui lost his life should also have been suspended to allow proper investigations. Yet, no action has been taken against any of them," said Hussein.
He further criticised reckless remarks by senior government officials encouraging the use of excessive force by police, saying such rhetoric has fuelled public fear.
“Every other day, Kenyans are now living in fear of the very officers who are supposed to protect them. Today, no one wants to be booked in a police station because they fear for their lives,” he said, urging Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Inspector General Douglas Kanja to take decisive action.
Unchecked impunity
According to Hussein, unchecked impunity is contributing to repeated deaths in police custody, prisons, and other security institutions such as the Kenya Forest Service.
"Simon has left behind a very young family—a very young boy. Who will take responsibility for them?” he asked, stressing the human cost of police misconduct.
"I think the time has come for Kenyans to speak out loudly and hold the security leaders in this country accountable. Because that recklessness has now gone too far."
The Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) has since launched investigations into Warui’s death.
IPOA Chairperson Issack Hassan confirmed that the authority is gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing police procedures.
“IPOA emphasises that the safety and rights of individuals placed in police custody are paramount and will work diligently to ensure justice is served. We assure the public that IPOA will handle this incident with the seriousness it deserves and further extend condolences to the family of the deceased,” Hassan said.
A post-mortem conducted at the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital found that Warui died from cardiorespiratory collapse due to a fracture or dislocation of the neck, consistent with a fall from a height. The report also noted ligature marks, a 5cm irregular scalp wound, dislocation of the C7–T1 vertebra, spinal haemorrhage, and other injuries.
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