Ipoa Chairperson Isaac Hassan./FILE
The body of Walter Ombewa Odhiambo was discovered on the evening of Friday, July 11, hanging from the ventilation grills inside his cell.
According to police, he was the only detainee in the cell at the time of the incident. Officers say he allegedly used a drawstring from his jacket to take his own life.
Odhiambo had been arrested earlier in the day over allegations of defiling a 14-year-old girl. A police officer reportedly found the body when he went to deliver food.
Following the discovery, senior officers visited the scene and notified IPOA, in line with legal requirements.
The body was taken to a local mortuary for postmortem as investigations continue to determine the circumstances surrounding the death.
This case adds to a growing list of controversial deaths in police custody, triggering public concern and scrutiny of police procedures.
Among the most high-profile cases is that of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang, who died at Nairobi Central Police Station on the night of June 7.
Ojwang had been arrested at his home in Homa Bay over allegations of publishing false information. He was later found dead in the cells, with evidence suggesting he was beaten to death.
The incident sparked national outrage and protests, some of which turned chaotic. Six individuals have since been charged with Ojwang’s murder.
They include Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Samson Kiprotich Talaam, Constables James Mukhwana and Peter Kimani (alias Kim), and civilians John Ngige Gitau (alias Kinara), Gin Ammitou Abwaova (alias Gilbeys), and Brian Mwaniki Njue.
According to court documents, the six are accused of killing Ojwang between 9:30 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. while he was in custody.
Notably, three of the civilians charged had been detained at the station over illegal gun possession and were allegedly used in the fatal assault on the teacher.
IPOA and other oversight bodies have pledged to investigate all deaths in custody to ensure accountability and uphold the rule of law.
Public pressure continues to mount for justice and reform within the police service as these cases raise serious concerns about detainee safety.
