Mysterious deaths in police custody continue to plague the country, as yet another man has died under unclear circumstances in a police cell.
Calvince Omondi Onditi, a 36-year-old fisherman from Ndhuru Beach, reportedly died by suicide on Sunday, 15 June, at Kipasi Police Post in Suba North, Homa Bay County.
Onditi had been arrested for allegedly trespassing into a goat pen after being reported by the area chief. According to police, he was found hanging in a holding room using his trousers, just as officers were preparing to transfer him to Mbita Police Station for further interrogation.
His body was taken to Homa Bay County Referral Hospital morgue, where a post-mortem is expected to determine the exact cause of death.
However, locals and leaders have condemned the police, calling for thorough investigations. Family members have rejected the police account, insisting Onditi could not have taken his own life.
“We are not convinced that he took his own life. We demand a thorough and transparent investigation,” said Evance Osano, a cousin of the deceased.
- Protests rock Nairobi CBD over Ojwang’s death in custody
- Murkomen, IG Kanja grilled over death of blogger in police custody
- What killed Albert Ojwang? Outrage grows over death in custody
Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo strongly criticised the incident: “These deaths in police cells cannot go on. Albert Ojwang’s case is still unresolved, and now they’ve killed Mr Onditi in my constituency. Yet again, they’re pushing this stupid suicide narrative,” she said.
This latest case comes just a week after the death of Albert Ojwang, a 31-year-old teacher, who also died in police custody at Central Police Station.
The growing number of deaths in police custody has raised serious concerns about police accountability and integrity, deepening the public’s mistrust in law enforcement across the country.
– By Anthony Mwangi
Email your news TIPS to Editor@nairobilawmonthly.com, and to advertise with us, call +254715061658 anytime of the day
