Suspect Dies by Apparent Suicide in Kisumu Police Cell

A man arrested on stock theft allegations was found dead in his cell at Katito Police Station in Kisumu County on Friday night, less than two hours after being brought into custody.

The deceased, who had been arrested earlier that morning by the area chief of Agoro West Location, was discovered hanging from the cell door grill using a vest around 8 PM on June 14, 2025.

Police Constables Juliana Koka and Andrew Okong’o, who were on duty at the report office and cell block respectively, responded after Sergeant Nixon Lukwa heard a disturbance coming from the cells. Upon reaching the scene, officers found the man’s lifeless body suspended from the cell grill.

“Efforts were made to rescue him by cutting the vest, but unfortunately he succumbed to injuries,” according to the police report filed at the station.

The incident has prompted a multi-agency response, with detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Nyakach, the Sub-County Police Commander for Muhoroni, and Crime Scene Investigators from Kisumu all visiting the preserved scene.

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), which investigates deaths in police custody, is expected to take over the case as the primary investigating body.

This death adds to growing concerns about conditions in police custody facilities across Kenya. The incident comes amid ongoing scrutiny of police detention practices and calls for improved oversight of suspects in custody.

The deceased’s identity has not been publicly released pending notification of next of kin. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death continue.