Defilement suspect dies by suicide at Ukwala police cells in Siaya, police say

Police and officials from the Independent Policing Oversight Authority are investigating an incident where a suspect was found dead after a suspected suicide mission at the Ukwala police cells, Siaya County.

The incident happened on Tuesday morning.

The body of Joseph Otieno Oduor alias Sande, 26, was found hanging on a metal rod in the cells’ toilet, police said.

He had been arrested following the issuance of a warrant by a court in the area.

He had been accused of defilement.

Police said he hanged himself in a toilet at the cells using his own shirt.

Police said the body was found hanging on a metal water pipe with his shirt around his neck.

The family said the man was suicidal, as he had attempted the same in the past.

Senior police visited the scene as part of the probe into the incident.

The body was moved to the mortuary pending autopsy.

This comes in the wake of the death of teacher Albert Ojwang at the Central police station cells.

There is pressure for action after it emerged that Ojwang was clobbered and strangled.

Five police officers who were on duty when the incident happened have been interdicted pending investigations into the same.

An autopsy conducted on the body ruled out the possibility that the deceased had self-inflicted injuries.

The matter is under active probe so far.

Such cases where suspects die in police custody are usually handled by IPOA.

Following mounting pressure, Inspector General of police Douglas Kanja interdicted the Central Police Station commander, duty officer, cell sentry, and all officers on duty to allow an impartial investigation by IPOA.

"This is standard protocol to ensure impartial investigations. IPOA is leading the process. If anyone is found culpable, they will face the law," Kanja stated.

Ojwang was a teacher based in Voi. He had traveled home in Homabay for the weekend when the incident happened on June 7.

He and co-accused Kelvin Moinde faced charges of publishing false information about Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat, who had lodged the complaint.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions subsequently announced there was insufficient evidence to charge Moinde. 

The DPP ordered the IPOA to fast-track the probe into the incident amid protests.

Several parties have emerged ready to help the family. A group led by Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has pledged to offer Ojwang’s widow a job, a house and help the family at large.