Drama erupted at Kanyuambora Police Post in Mbeere North Constituency, Embu county, after a family dumped the body of their kin at the facility, demanding justice.
The family of 29-year-old Chrispin Munene staged the dramatic protest on Saturday, insisting that officers disclose what transpired after their kin was taken to the Station and that the police publicly read the Occurrence Book (OB), detailing the events leading to his death, before they proceed with his burial.
Munene is said to have died under unclear circumstances, after being taken to the police post, following an alleged assault by a group of men over theft allegations.
According to family members, a resident had earlier reported Munene to the police over the alleged theft of a cooking gas cylinder and sought his arrest.
The family claims that when police delayed taking action, the complainant allegedly hired goons who stormed Munene's home, forcefully took him away, assaulted him and later delivered him to the police post at around 11 am in critical condition.
The family further alleges that despite his condition, Munene was not taken to the hospital until about 4 pm, when police transported him to Ishiara Level 4 Hospital.
He was pronounced dead on arrival, and his body was later transferred to the Hospital mortuary.
Speaking during the confrontation at the police post, Munene's brother, Samuel Kivuti, said the family was determined to get answers before laying their loved one to rest.
"We want the Occurrence Book read publicly, so that everyone can know exactly what happened to our brother after he was taken to the police station. We will not proceed with the burial until we get the truth," said Kivuti.
His sentiments were echoed by a mourner, Eustace Kivuti, who questioned how Munene could have died just hours after being taken into police custody.
"It is painful and disturbing that our brother died under such mysterious circumstances. We want a thorough investigation and accountability from those responsible," he said.
Munene's sister, Jane Igoki, also demanded justice, saying residents were now living in fear following the incident.
"We want justice for our brother. If someone can be taken to a police station alive and end up in a mortuary, dead a few hours later, then no resident can feel safe. We deserve answers," she said.
Similar sentiments were echoed by another mourner, Brian Mapema, who called for transparency from the authorities.
"We have come here because we want the truth. The family deserves answers and the community deserves to know what happened. Justice must be served," said the mourner.
The incident comes barely a month after two young men were reportedly killed by police in Ishiara during protests over the poor state of Ishiara Level 4 Hospital, raising fresh concerns about alleged police misconduct in the area.
Authorities had not issued an official statement on the matter by the time of publication.
