A police officer has been interdicted following an incident in which a woman suffered a miscarriage while in custody at Rwanyambo Police Post in Nyandarua County.
This comes just days after several officers were interdicted at the Central Police Station, Nairobi, following the death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang, putting renewed pressure on the NPS over the treatment of civilians in police custody.
In a statement released Thursday, June 12, the National Police Service (NPS) confirmed that investigations have been launched to determine the circumstances surrounding the case.
“The National Police Service is deeply saddened to inform the public of an unfortunate incident in which a woman miscarried while in police custody,” the statement reads.
The Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) is leading the investigation in collaboration with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (Ipoa).
“To ensure a swift, impartial, and transparent investigation, the officer in charge of Rwanyambo Police Post has been interdicted with immediate effect,” the statement said.
NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga reaffirmed the service's commitment to human rights and accountability.
“The NPS reaffirms its steadfast commitment to serving and protecting the public, while strictly upholding the rule of law, human rights, and fundamental freedoms,” Nyaga stated.
Further updates will be issued as investigations continue.
Meanwhile, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (Ipoa) is currently investigating 18 cases of deaths in police custody across the country.
A report submitted to the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security by Ipoa said the cases occurred between February 2025 and the present.
“These cases are being treated with utmost urgency and are at various stages of investigations,” Ipoa stated in its presentation to the committee.
The update came as Ipoa officials appeared before the parliamentary committee to address the ongoing probe into the death of Albert Ojwang, a high school teacher and outspoken social media voice, who died under unclear circumstances while in custody at Central Police Station in Nairobi.
The authority also emphasised its commitment to impartial investigations and the prosecution of cases where misconduct or abuse is established. IPOA said it supports legal action based on findings from its inquiries, working closely with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
To further reinforce safeguards, Ipoa collaborates with the National Police Service to integrate human rights education into police training.
These efforts include lectures and modules at police colleges focusing on lawful arrest procedures and the care of individuals in custody.
“Ipoa is committed to a long-term culture of accountability within the police service. The curriculum partly comprises human rights, lawful arrest, and care of those in police custody,” the report stated.
