Authorities in Malindi are under increasing scrutiny after a 25 year old man detained over an abduction case was discovered dead inside a police cell on Friday, April 17.
According to statements shared by Vocal Africa Chief Executive Officer Hussein Khalid, the deceased identified as Lucky Odhiambo Okoth was found early in the morning inside a cell at Malindi Police Station.Police reports cited by Khalid indicate that he was found hanging using a makeshift rope made from torn clothing.
Khalid noted that the suspect was held alone in one cell, while 21 other detainees were reportedly being kept at the same station in different cells.
This has raised questions about how the incident occurred without intervention.
He expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding the death and urged for a thorough and independent investigation to establish what exactly happened while the suspect was in custody.
Human rights organisations, including Vocal Africa and the Malindi Community Human Rights Centre, have since joined calls for a transparent probe.They are also pushing for the Independent Police Oversight Authority to take part in the investigations.
The exact cause of death remains unclear as questions persist over whether it was suicide or if other factors were involved.
Okoth had been arrested in connection with the abduction of a 17 year old girl in Malindi Sub County.
According to earlier reports from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, the teenager was reported missing on April 12, 2026, by her father, who works as a senior officer at GK Prison in Malindi.
Investigators later established that she had been communicating with unknown individuals before she disappeared.
The case escalated when the suspect allegedly contacted the family and demanded a ransom of 200,000 shillings while threatening harm to the girl.
During the negotiations, he allowed the victim to speak to her family, confirming she was being held against her will.
Detectives later traced and arrested Okoth in the Muyeye area of Malindi town using intelligence led operations.
The girl was rescued safely and reunited with her family before being taken for medical examination and care.
Investigations are still ongoing to determine whether other individuals were involved in the abduction and to clarify the events leading up to the suspect’s death in custody.