A family in Kuria West, Migori County, is demanding answers after their loved one, 40-year-old Alan Kamau Kimani, died while being held at Komomwamu Police Post.
In a statement on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, Human rights group Vocal Africa said it was contacted by the family after the incident.
According to the organisation, Alan was arrested on September 25, 2025, for reportedly cutting down trees.
His mother told them that police officers asked her for Ksh15,000 to have him released. When she could not raise the money, she said she was threatened. A few hours later, police informed her that her son had died in custody. They claimed he had taken his own life.
“40-year-old Alan Kamau Kimani was arrested on 25th September in Kuria West, Migori County and held at Komomwamu Police Post for allegedly cutting down trees. His mother reports being asked for Ksh15,000 for his release and later threatened when she could not raise the money. Hours later, police informed her that her son had died in custody, claiming it was suicide,” Vocal Africa revealed.
Vocal Africa reported that the family does not believe the suicide story and wants the truth about what happened. The organisation said it has already reached out to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to push for an autopsy and justice for the family.
According to Vocal Africa, the family said Alan was healthy when he was arrested, and they want those responsible for his death to be held to account.
“The family disputes this account and is demanding accountability. VOCAL Africa is in contact with them and has engaged @IPOA_KE to ensure an autopsy is conducted and justice is pursued,” the statement read further.
This incident comes just days after another young man, 26-year-old Simon Warui, died in police custody in Mombasa. Warui had been reported missing by his family in Nairobi on September 14, 2025. They later discovered he was being held at Mombasa Central Police Station. On September 17, 2025, he died in custody.
A post-mortem report said Warui died from cardiorespiratory collapse caused by a fractured and dislocated neck, injuries said to be consistent with a fall from a height. His family has rejected this explanation and accused the police of a cover-up. His death sparked protests in Mombasa and Nairobi, with human rights groups demanding justice and independent investigations.
