Man’s death in Mombasa police cell prompts IPOA probe as LSK joins push for justice
On Monday, the Law Society of Kenya said it was working with the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights to press for a thorough and timely investigation.
The Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched investigations into the death of 26-year-old Simon Warui, who died under unclear circumstances while being held at the Central Police Station in Mvita Sub-County, Mombasa.
In a statement on Tuesday, IPOA Chairperson Issack Hassan confirmed that the authority had opened a comprehensive probe into the September 17, 2025 incident.
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“This is to state that the IPOA investigation team has already begun collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses and reviewing police procedures relating to the incident. Further, it has obtained the post-mortem report, which establishes the cause of death to be ‘as a result of cardiorespiratory collapse due to fracture or dislocation of the neck, which is consistent with a fall from a height,’” Hassan said.
Committed to accountability
He emphasised that the authority is committed to accountability in cases of deaths in custody.
“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,” he added.
The authority appealed for calm as investigations continue.
A post-mortem at the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital confirmed Warui died of cardiorespiratory collapse caused by a fracture-dislocation of the neck, consistent with a fall from a height. The report also noted ligature marks measuring 3mm, a 5cm irregular scalp wound, dislocation of the C7–T1 vertebra, spinal haemorrhage, and other injuries.
Warui, a father of a three-year-old, had been reported missing from his Umoja I Estate home in Nairobi on September 14. His family later traced him to the Central Police Station in Mombasa, only to learn of his death.
Account questioned
Authorities claim he died while trying to escape custody. However, human rights groups and activists have questioned this account, pointing to missing personal items and unreleased CCTV footage as possible signs of foul play or a cover-up.
On Monday, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) said it was working with the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) to press for a thorough and timely investigation.
LSK President Faith Odhiambo confirmed that a lawyer had been appointed to represent Warui’s family.
“We have appointed an advocate to represent the family, monitor the investigations, and ensure that the full truth about the circumstances leading to Mr Warui’s death is uncovered, with those responsible held accountable,” Odhiambo said.
She added that unanswered questions remain.
“The circumstances under which he ended up dead in a police station in Mombasa remain unclear, but we are working closely with our Civil Society partners and the KNCHR to ensure this matter is investigated swiftly and conclusively,” she said.
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