Police officers and officials from the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) are investigating the death of a man found in a police cell in Ukwala, Siaya County. The incident happened on the morning of June 10.
The man, identified as Joseph Otieno Oduor, also known as Sande, was 26 years old. He had been arrested after a court issued a warrant against him in a defilement case.
According to police reports, Oduor was found hanging in a toilet inside the police cells. Officers say he used his own shirt to hang himself from a metal water pipe.
Police also said that the man had a history of attempting suicide.
His family confirmed this, saying that he had tried to take his own life before. After the discovery, senior police officers visited the scene to begin investigations.
The body was moved to a local mortuary, where a postmortem examination is expected to be carried out.
This case comes shortly after another highly publicized death in police custody. Albert Ojwang, a teacher and blogger, died while being held at Central Police Station in Nairobi.
His death has sparked national outrage. Reports from an autopsy confirmed that Ojwang had not injured himself, as police first claimed.
Instead, he showed signs of being beaten and strangled.
Following Ojwang’s death, five police officers who were on duty have been interdicted as investigations continue.
The incident is also being closely monitored by IPOA, which is responsible for investigating police misconduct and deaths that happen in custody.
These recent cases have raised serious concerns about how suspects are treated in police cells.
Many Kenyans are now demanding answers and justice for families who have lost loved ones while in custody.
IPOA continues to look into both deaths, and more details are expected once the investigations are complete.
By Newshub