Security agencies are investigating a case in which a 24-year-old suspect
was found dead in a police cell after an alleged suicide at Tangakona Police
Post in Busia County.
The incident, which occurred on the afternoon of
September 30, 2025, has raised fresh concerns over the handling of suspects in
custody.
Police identified the deceased as Moses Barasa, who had been arrested
earlier in the day over allegations of stealing six bags of dry maize.
According to police reports, Barasa was detained
at the post for processing when the events unfolded.
Officers said that as they were recording his details at the report office,
he suddenly bolted and managed to escape, even as the complainant looked on.
Witnesses told investigators that police
officers, together with members of the public, pursued him.
An alarm was raised, and locals quickly joined in the chase.
He was eventually caught by residents who subjected him to a beating before
police officers intervened and rescued him.
Barasa was escorted back to the Tangakona
Police Post cells, where he was later discovered dead.
Police said he allegedly used his shirt to hang himself from a window grill
inside the cell. His body was moved to the mortuary pending an autopsy and
further investigations.
Officials confirmed that the Independent
Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has been informed and is expected to take
part in the probe.
The Tangakona case comes just days after
another incident in Migori County, where a suspect died under similar
circumstances.
On September 26, 2025, 41-year-old Allan Kamau Kimani, who had been arrested
for malicious damage to property, was found dead inside the Komwamu Police Post
cells in Isebania.
Police said Kimani, who was being held alone
in custody, also hanged himself using his shirt. Senior officers confirmed that
he was awaiting transfer to Isebania Police Station when the incident occurred.
In both cases, authorities said the motive of
the alleged suicides remains unclear.
The September deaths add to a growing list of
cases of suspects dying while in police custody. Similar incidents were also
reported in Mombasa and Kitale police commands earlier this month, prompting
public outrage and official investigations.
IPOA last week confirmed that it is
investigating the latest incidents as well as dozens of others that have
occurred in the past.
The independent watchdog has often
stressed that all deaths in police custody must be subjected to thorough and transparent
investigations.
