A suspect, Simon Warui, died under mysterious circumstances on Sunday, September 21, while in custody at the Central Police Station in Mombasa, sparking outrage and calls for accountability.
Warui, who had been reported missing for over a week, was initially booked at the station under unclear charges. Authorities later confirmed his death, prompting an investigation into the conditions of his detention and the events leading up to his demise.
According to the postmortem report, Warui died from a lack of oxygen, and further examination revealed he had sustained a neck fracture and a broken hand.
The injuries have raised serious questions about possible mistreatment or negligence while he was in police custody. Family members and human rights activists have demanded a thorough probe to ensure justice and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Police officials have maintained that an internal inquiry is underway to establish the facts surrounding Warui’s death. They stated that all detainees’ safety is a top priority and that those found culpable will face disciplinary or legal action.
Meanwhile, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has called for full transparency, urging investigators to provide clear explanations on how such injuries occurred during detention.
The incident has reignited public debate over detainee welfare in Kenya, highlighting concerns over overcrowding, police conduct, and the need for stricter monitoring of police cells.
Warui’s death continues to draw attention nationwide, with civil society organisations vowing to follow the investigation closely.
As questions linger about how a suspect could suffer fatal injuries while in custody, Kenyans await the results of ongoing investigations to ensure justice and uphold human rights.
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