Tension is high in Murang’a after angry residents blocked the Kaharati-Kigumo road following the death of a man in police custody.
Police claimed that the man took his own life, sparking outrage and fresh protests in the area.The deceased has been identified as 35-year-old Stephen Mwangi. According to the National Police Service, Mwangi allegedly hanged himself inside Kenol Police Station cells.
However, his family has strongly dismissed this explanation and rejected the outcome of the postmortem.
The autopsy was conducted on Monday at Murang’a Level Five Hospital mortuary by Dr. Waithera Mbau, who reported that Mwangi died due to lack of oxygen.
She further clarified that the report was not conclusive, as more laboratory tests were needed to determine the actual cause of death.
Family spokesperson Mr. Julius Ngugi expressed dissatisfaction with the findings.He said the family was shocked that the postmortem did not capture some critical signs and added that when they viewed the body at the mortuary on August 12, 2025, blood was oozing from his mouth.
Dr. Mbau, however, maintained that no external injuries were found on the body.
The family disputed this, insisting that the presence of blood suggested possible internal bleeding, either in the head or neck.
But the doctor stood firm, noting that she found no such indicators.
In her report, she explained that there were no injuries to the neck muscles nor any blood beneath the skin.
The death has renewed concerns over police accountability, with residents vowing to continue protests until the matter is addressed.
By Taifa Leo