Police cells turned into death traps

Police cells meant to protect suspects awaiting trial are increasingly being portrayed as places of fear, torture and, in the worst cases, death, with the latest case involving 19-year-old boda boda rider Eric Otieno raising fresh questions about police accountability.

Otieno, a Mathare resident, died shortly after his release from Muthaiga Police Station after allegedly sustaining severe injuries while in custody.

His family is demanding CCTV footage and hospital records to establish what happened to him.

The National Police Service (NPS) initially said investigations had commenced before the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) took over the probe.

The death has revived memories of the late teacher-cum-blogger Albert Omondi Ojwang, who died at Central Police Station in June 2025 after allegedly being tortured in custody, sparking nationwide protests and renewed demands for police reforms.

Otieno’s case is among a growing list of deaths reported in police custody or shortly after detention, including Julie Njoki Wangui in Nanyuki, Eric Tonui Koros at Solai ACC Police Post, and Brian Njunge at Kiambu Police Station.

Others are Bernard Nyakwama Omae at Kibera Police Station, Douglas Simiyu Barasa at Kakamega Central, Joseph Otieno Oduor at Ukwala, Timon Otieno at Homa Bay, Calvince Omondi at Kipasi, Benard Mwanthe Kivinda at Eastern Mitaboni, Daniel Makau at Nguluni, Silvester Mwangonji Mwandiwe at Werugha, Peter Wamwea Wangagi at Central Kangurwe and Peter Kiiru at Kariobangi North.

The cases have fuelled concerns that despite years of reform promises, impunity remains entrenched in parts of the police service.

The Law Society of Kenya President Charles Kanjama called for urgent action by IPOA, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights and the Internal Affairs Unit.

“The tragedy involving the unlawful killing of Eric Otieno at Muthaiga Police Station deserves strong and forceful steps,” Kanjama said, demanding that authorities secure the scene, suspects and exhibits and issue a clear account of what happened.

According to the Justice Centres Working Group, Otieno was allegedly tortured after his arrest on August 1, 2026 leaving him with severe injuries.

He was reportedly taken to an MSF-supported facility and later referred to Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital, but was allegedly returned to the police station despite medical advice.

The groups have also documented overcrowding, poor sanitation, inadequate healthcare, prolonged pre-trial detention, alleged torture and ill-treatment in police stations.

UNDP has warned that such conditions make torture and abuse “easier to hide, harder to challenge and more likely to recur.”