“Mum, tafadhali niokoe”: Questions Surround Man’s Death in Migori Police Custody

A man has died while in police custody at Komwamu Police Post in Kuria West, Migori County, one day after his arrest.

Allan Kamau Kimani, aged 41, was detained on 25 September 2025 following a complaint involving the alleged destruction of trees valued at KSh30,000. The complainant, believed to be his aunt, declined to withdraw the charges despite appeals from Kimani and his mother, Mary Wambui. 

Wambui stated that she was asked to pay KSh15,000 to secure her son’s release, but was unable to raise the amount. On the morning of 26 September, Wambui received a phone call from Kimani, who reportedly pleaded for help. 

Less than an hour later, she was informed by the same officer that her son had died. Police said Kimani died by suicide, claiming he used a shirt to hang himself from a window grill inside the cell. The family disputes this account, citing inconsistencies and alleging misconduct.

Wambui reported that she was denied access to the cell and was not allowed to witness the removal of her son’s body. She questioned how Kimani could have taken his own life so soon after calling her for assistance. 

Her concerns have raised questions about the conduct of officers at the station and the handling of the case. Civil rights organisation VOCAL Africa has confirmed contact with the family and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), which has launched an investigation. A post-mortem examination is expected to be conducted at Migori County Referral Hospital Mortuary.

Kimani’s death follows other recent custodial fatalities in Mombasa and Kitale, prompting scrutiny of police procedures and detainee welfare. The Law Society of Kenya and other human rights groups have previously called for reforms and stronger oversight of law enforcement practices.

The family continues to seek justice, with Kimani’s uncle, Godfrey Kamau, calling for accountability.