Boda Boda Rider Dies in Police Custody after Being Detained over Sh8,000 Debt

Erick Kiptanui Koros, a 40-year-old boda-boda rider, was found dead in a police cell at Solai Police Post in Rongai Sub-county, Nakuru County, on 7 October 2025, shortly after being taken into custody.

Police say Mr Koros died by suicide using a strap from a duvet approximately 30 minutes after being booked at the station. His family disputes this account, citing inconsistencies and a lack of transparency surrounding the circumstances of his death.

Mr Koros was arrested earlier that day following a financial dispute with a business associate who alleged he owed Sh8,000. According to relatives, police officers arrived at his home while he was repairing his motorcycle and asked him to accompany them to the station. 

That was the last time his family saw him alive. Later that evening, officers returned to the family’s home with the local chief and requested Mr Koros’s wife to come to the station. Upon arrival, she was informed that her husband had died.

The family was notified only after the body had been transferred to Nakuru City Mortuary. Philip Kirongon, a relative, expressed disbelief over the official version of events. 

He said Mr Koros appeared calm and in good health when he left home and had assured his wife that he would resolve the matter and return. The family now plans to pursue a post-mortem examination to establish the cause of death.

Concerns have been raised over the speed at which events unfolded and the manner in which the family was informed. They have questioned the nature of the arrest and the absence of any signs that Mr Koros was in distress prior to his death.

Rongai Sub-county Criminal Investigations Officer, Donatta Atieno, confirmed that Mr Koros was booked at 3:30 pm and found dead about half an hour later. She said the matter is under investigation and will be referred to the Independent Policing and Oversight Authority (IPOA). 

The family is expected to record a statement on Friday.