Caleb Espino who died under police custody on September 18./ ERNEST CORNEL.
A key witness in the alleged police killing of Changamwe tout Caleb Espino, 40, has gone into hiding after receiving threats.
He left his home in Mombasa three weeks ago to an unknown place.
Espino's mother is fearful too. Her identity and the location where she lives cannot be revealed for security reasons.
Muslims for Human Rights (Muhuri) has taken statements from the family as it prepares to take legal action against the police.
Espino,
who was buried two weeks ago, had been arrested by officers from Changamwe police station on September 18 while taking illicit brew in Mikindani.
Witnesses said he was knocked unconscious by police in the police cells. They claimed he was beaten thoroughly.
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Police have denied involvement in the death. They say the tout died of excessive alcohol.
However, government Chief Pathologist Johansen Oduor and Independent Medico Legal Unit's Emily Adhiambo said Espino died from multiple injuries.
On Friday, Muhuri rapid response officer Francis Auma visited Espino's mother at her rural home.
"We must hold those involved in the death accountable. Some people have now resorted to intimidation tactics," he said.
When she learnt of her son's death, Espino's mother said, "it is a nightmare."
"I am a widow and I'm
sick. I feel very bad about my son's death at the hands of police," she said.
She wants justice served for him.
IPOA has interrogated prisoners and officers present when the incident occurred.
One of the prisoners said while in the cell, Espino was clobbered, kicked and punched by officers.
Oduor said more samples were taken from Espino's body and comprehensive results will be out by next month.
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