A key witness in the alleged killing of Changamwe tout Caleb Espino, 40, by police has gone into hiding after receiving threats.
The witness left his home in Mombasa about three weeks ago. His whereabouts are unknown.
Espino’s mother is fearful, too. Her identity and place of stay cannot be revealed for security reasons.
The mother said “it was a nightmare” when she learnt about Espino’s demise. “I’m sick and as a widow, I feel bad about my son’s death in police custody,” she said.
Muslims for Human Rights has recorded statements from the family with the intention of taking legal action against the police.
Espino had been arrested by officers from Changamwe police station on September 18 in Mikindani.
Witnesses said he was knocked unconscious by police in the Changamwe cells. Police have denied involvement in the death. They claimed the tout died of excessive alcohol. Espino was buried two weeks ago.
But Chief Government Pathologist Johansen Oduor and Independent Medico Legal Unit’s Emily Adhiambo said Espino died from multiple injuries.
Oduor said more samples were taken from Espino’s body and comprehensive results will be out by December.
Adhiambo said Espino’s injuries were mainly on the skin, head and upper spinal cord.
“There was also a fractured rib of the left side chest with bleeding into the lungs on both sides and a tear in one of the lungs,” Adhiambo said after the six-hour procedure at CPGH.
On Friday, Muhuri rapid response officer Francis Auma visited Espino’s mother in her rural home. Auma also tried to locate the key witness, who has no known family member. “We must hold those involved in the death accountable. Some people have now resorted to intimidation tactics,” Auma said.
A witness said while at the cell, Espino was clobbered, kicked and punched by officers He allegedly hit his head on a metal bar and never woke up again. Five buttons from his shirt were missing.