Police and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) are investigating the death of Boniface Mutembei, who had been arrested and detained at Kamukunji cells in Nairobi for disorderly conduct.
Mutembei was arrested on the night of May 29 and booked into the cells. Other cellmates informed officers that Mutembei had been complaining of illness.
On Thursday morning, he reportedly collapsed in the cells after experiencing epileptic seizures. Cellmates called for help, and police officers found Mutembei unconscious but still breathing.
He was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His body was moved to the mortuary pending an autopsy and further investigations. Nairobi police boss Adamson Bungei described the incident as unfortunate and confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine the cause and circumstances of Mutembei’s death.
IPOA has been informed and has joined the probe, planning to interview cellmates, the police on duty, and the deceased’s family.
In a separate incident in Yatta, Machakos, police are investigating the death of a man whose body was found floating in River Athi in Kathithu village.
The body was taken to a local mortuary. Additionally, the body of Joseph Ngao Muli was found near his home in the same area. Police found Muli’s lifeless body with no visible injuries and moved it to the mortuary pending an autopsy and further investigations.
The cause of his death is yet to be determined.
