The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (Ipoa) has launched investigations into the death of Simon Warui, who passed on in police custody.
Warui was found dead in police custody at Central Police Station Mombasa under disturbing circumstances.
He had been reported missing in Nairobi days earlier, only for his family to later learn that he had been detained in Mombasa, where he was already dead.
In a statement on Tuesday, Ipoa chairperson Issack Hassan said it has initiated comprehensive investigations on the circumstances surrounding his death.
“This is to state that the Ipoa investigation team has already begun collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing police procedures relating to the incident,” he said.
According to Hassan, Ipoa has obtained the post-mortem report, which establishes the cause of death.
He said the results revealed the cause of his death to be cardiorespiratory collapse due to fracture or dislocation of the neck, which is consistent with a fall from a height.
Hassan emphasised that the safety and rights of individuals placed in police custody are paramount and will work diligently to ensure justice is served.
“We assure the public that IPOA will handle this incident with the seriousness it deserves and further extend condolences to the family of the deceased,” Hassan added.
He appealed for calmness as they conduct the investigation.
On Monday, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) took up the case of Warui, questioning how Warui, who had no known reason to be in Mombasa, ended up more than 480 kilometres from Nairobi and in police custody.
“This raises grave concerns,” LSK President Faith Adhiambo said in a statement, confirming that the society has appointed a lawyer to represent Warui’s family and follow up on investigations.
LSK said it is working with civil society groups and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) to push for a thorough and independent probe, stressing the urgency of accountability and transparency.
The society also acknowledged the efforts of its Mombasa branch in handling the matter and assured the public of regular updates as the case progresses
His death comes even as investigations into the unresolved case of Albert Ojwang, who also died in custody, remain pending.
