Questions as Migori Man Dies in Cell, Police Claims Suicide

Fresh questions are emerging over the death of a 40-year-old man at Komomwamu Police Post in Kuria West, Migori County, after officers claimed he committed suicide while in custody.

The family of the deceased, identified as Alan Kamau Kimani, is demanding justice, alleging foul play and extortion attempts by officers prior to his death.

According to human rights lobby Vocal Africa, Kimani was arrested on Thursday, September 25, for allegedly cutting down trees before being locked up at the rural police post.

Hussein Khalid, the group’s executive director, said Kimani’s mother, Mary Wambui, recounted receiving a series of distressing calls from police officers shortly after her son’s arrest.

She claimed officers demanded Ksh15,000 to secure his release, a sum she could not raise. Instead of receiving updates on his case, she was allegedly threatened with dire consequences if she failed to deliver the money.

“Hours later, she received another call from the same officer, this time telling her that her son had died,” Khalid said in a statement. Police allegedly told Wambui that Kimani had taken his own life inside the cell.

The death has sparked tension in the area, with locals and activists raising questions about the police account.

Vocal Africa says it is already engaging the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to conduct an autopsy and establish the exact circumstances of Kimani’s death.

“This case raises grave concerns of police misconduct and possible abuse of power. We are working with the family and IPOA to ensure there is accountability and justice for Kimani,” Khalid noted.

Kimani’s death comes barely two weeks after another case in Mombasa drew public outrage.

On September 17, 26-year-old Simon Warui died at Mombasa Central Police Station, days after being reported missing by his family in Nairobi.

A government pathologist attributed his death to cardiorespiratory collapse linked to a fractured neck, injuries allegedly consistent with a fall.

His relatives dismissed the explanation, insisting he was tortured in custody, a claim that ignited protests in Mombasa and Nairobi.

The twin incidents have intensified scrutiny of police handling of detainees, with rights groups calling for urgent reforms and transparent investigations.

For Wambui, who is now grieving her only son, the official story of suicide is not only unconvincing but deeply painful.

“My son was fine when I saw him. He told me he was hopeful I would get him out. Now they tell me he killed himself? I don’t believe it,” she reportedly told lobbyists.

As IPOA begins investigations, pressure is mounting on authorities to ensure the truth about Kimani’s final hours comes to light.