Vocal Africa CEO Hussein Khalid raises alarm over another death in police custody

Vocal Africa CEO Hussein Khalid has raised an alarm over the alleged death of another Kenyan in police custody in Nakuru.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Hussein revealed that 40-year-old Eric Tonui Koros, a boda boda rider from Solai, Nakuru County, died while in custody at Solai ACC Police Post.

"The deceased was arrested on Tuesday, October 7, at around 2:30 pm for failing to pay a debt of Sh8,000. Later on the same day, around 8:00 pm, the family, through the wife, confirmed to Vocal Africa that they were visited by officers who took them to the police post where they were informed of the demise of Eric Kipranui Koros," said Hussein, adding that the deceased left behind a wife and five children.

Koros’ body is currently preserved at Kwa Jack mortuary in Nakuru.

On September 22, Hussein also reported that another suspect, Simon Warui, died inside the Central Police Station in Mombasa on September 18.

"Irrespective of the state of mind, crime, or circumstances that take a person to a police station, they should not lose their lives while in police custody. Justice for SimonWarui," urged Khalid.

The two deaths occurred after the Interior Ministry’s confirmation in August that at least 10 Kenyans died in police custody between March and July this year, raising serious concerns about inmate safety in police stations.

Among the reported deaths was Albert Omondi Ojwang, who died in May at the Central Police Station cells in Nairobi while held on accusations of publishing false and malicious information.

Douglas Simiyu Barasa reportedly died by hanging himself with his vest on the cell grills at the Central Police Station in Kakamega in May. He was detained for stock theft.

At Ukwala Police Station, Joseph Otieno Oduor reportedly died by suicide in June by hanging himself on a metal water pipe using a shirt. He was held on defilement charges.

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

Calvince Omondi reportedly died by suicide in April at Kipasi Police Post by hanging himself with his trousers on a metal bar, while Bernard Mwanthe Kivinda died of strangulation in May at Eastern Mitaboni Police Post. Kivinda 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.

Silvester Mwangonji Mwandiwe allegedly died by suicide using his jumper at Werugha Patrol Base in April, while Peter Wamwea Wangagi reportedly hanged himself with his long-sleeved shirt tied to ventilation grills in a cell in March.

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

Other Topics To Read

• Headlines
• National
• DCI
• NPS
• Vocal Africa CEO Hussein Khalid
• Vocal Africa CEO Hussein Khalid raises alarm over another death in police custody
• News

In response, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen informed the National Assembly in August that senior officers are conducting daily cell inspections to ensure detainee safety, cleanliness, and welfare, with all observations documented.

Murkomen added that the National Police Service enforces a custody duration limit, ensuring suspects are not held beyond the legal 24-hour limit.

"Continuous training and sensitization 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.

He also declared that arrested persons will undergo 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.

The CS added that there will be regular cell supervision to ensure safe cell environments free from items that heighten the risk of self-harm within custody facilities.

"I have further initiated a program currently under implementation for the installation of CCTV cameras in all the police stations," Murkomen added.

However, it remains unclear whether these directives have been fully implemented.