IPOA launches probe as family demands truth over boda boda rider’s death in Nairobi police cell
IPOA has opened investigations into the death of boda boda rider Jack Leon Matoke in custody at Kawangware Police Post in Nairobi, after his family disputed police claims that he died by suicide.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has begun investigations into the mysterious circumstances surrounding the death of a boda boda rider, Jack Leon Matoke, while in police custody at Kawangware Police Post.
Matoke, recorded as 23 years old, died on Thursday last week at around 7 pm, and his lifeless body was later discovered at the City Mortuary just four hours after his detention.
More To Read
- Nairobi County approves two monthly menstrual health days for women staff
- Coast civil society groups accuse government of starving police watchdogs of funds
- Ombudsman orders Nairobi County to prioritise pension debts in county budget
- Uhuru Park set for food, music and culture as three-day Nairobi Festival kicks off
- Nairobi orders staff to submit academic, professional records by January 15
- Childhood on Edge: How shrinking play spaces put Kenyan children in danger on the roads
In a statement released on Monday, IPOA noted that Matoke had been detained at the police post pending transfer and booking at Muthangari Police Station in Nairobi County on Thursday, December 11, 2025.
Documented the scene
The Authority confirmed that it has already visited and documented the scene, established contacts with the family, and attended the post-mortem at the City Mortuary.
"According to the Authority, the arising findings will help them ascertain the status of the investigations and the actions taken, including the submission of appropriate recommendations to relevant State agencies, notably the Director of Public Prosecutions, if criminal liability is determined," IPOA stated.
The deceased left behind a two-year-old daughter, and his family is now demanding a thorough investigation and a post-mortem to establish the true cause of his death.
"What I want is for us to know the truth about what happened and how he died," his mother said.
Police have claimed that Matoke took his own life using his t-shirt while in custody, but his family has strongly disputed this account, citing discrepancies.
According to Vocal Africa Executive Director Hussein Khalid, who was present during the post-mortem at the City Mortuary on Monday, the family was initially informed by law enforcement that the deceased had committed suicide using a t-shirt.
"However, following an autopsy that ruled out a t-shirt as the ligature, the police have since revised their claim, stating instead that a shoestring was used," said Khalid.
After the autopsy, the deceased’s mother broke down in anguish following the release of the post-mortem results. The findings confirmed the family’s worst fears and contradicted the police’s official narrative surrounding her son’s death in custody.
Top Stories Today
