A disturbing pattern of unexplained deaths in police custody is raising serious concerns about oversight, accountability, and the protection of inmates’ human rights in Kenya.
Law enforcement agencies are either directly or indirectly implicated in these incidents, which span nearly two decades.
At least seven cases involving individuals who died shortly after being arrested at police facilities across the country have come to light between 2008 and 2025. Some have gained national attention, while others remain obscure.
Although official investigations have been launched in several instances, the victims’ families are still waiting for answers—and justice.
May 2008: Nairobi
Benson Mwangi Waraga is believed to have died in police custody in Nairobi in May 2008. Few details are available. Public records do not clarify the exact circumstances or location of his detention. For over 15 years, independent investigators have found no verifiable inquiry results.
August 2018: Parklands Police Station
David Wanjiru Mwai was arrested and detained at Parklands Police Station in 2018. A few days later, he was found dead in his cell under mysterious circumstances. The case faded from public attention, leaving behind unanswered questions and silence.
November 2019: Siaya
In Ratado, Siaya County, 25-year-old Sylvester Otieno was taken into custody on suspicion of stealing iron sheets. Witnesses claimed that officers demanded a Sh 3,000 bribe for his release.
He died a few days later. Residents allege he was severely beaten while in custody. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) initiated a probe, but no charges have been made public.
January 2022: Bondo
One of the most widely condemned cases involves 25-year-old Vitalis Okinda, who died in custody at Bondo Police Station. Police initially claimed he struck his head on a wall after being arrested on January 8 for a traffic offence. However, a post-mortem revealed blunt force trauma.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) launched an investigation amid protests in Bondo, but the findings remain undisclosed.
May 2023: Buruburu
Washington Booker Ojukwu died shortly after being arrested at Nairobi’s Buruburu Police Station. His arrest followed a confrontation with an M-Pesa agent.
Reports of police brutality spread quickly, prompting investigations by IMLU, the DCI, and IPOA. Despite his family’s demands for accountability, no charges have been confirmed to date.
January 2024: Githurai
Samuel Njuguna, 45, was arrested on robbery charges at Githurai Kimbo Police Station. He reportedly collapsed in his cell and was declared dead upon arrival at Ruiru Level Four Hospital. IPOA has since taken over the case and pledged a full investigation.
June 2025: Central Police Station, Nairobi
National outrage erupted following the sudden death of Albert Omondi Ojwang, a 32-year-old teacher and popular X (formerly Twitter) influencer from Homa Bay County.
Ojwang, known for his bold social media commentary, died on June 8, 2025, just hours after being detained at Nairobi’s Central Police Station. The circumstances of his death remain unclear, sparking widespread grief and renewed calls for justice and police reform.
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