Residents of Kiandegwa village in Mwea were left in shock after a 24-year-old woman was found dead in a police cell.
Natasha Ng’endo Maina, a mother of two, reportedly ended her life while being detained at the Karaba police station near the Embu-Kirinyaga border. She was arrested alongside her husband, Joseph Maina Ndogo, following an altercation inside a local pub that led to a disturbance.
Maina recounted that he and his wife were both apprehended after he confronted her at a nearby pub, questioning her decision to drink without his knowledge. The situation escalated, prompting the pub owner to notify the authorities.
Upon arrival at the Karaba police station, the couple was held separately. Maina, still in disbelief, learned of his wife’s death while still in custody.
“I was shocked to learn while still being held in the cell that my wife had died by suicide, an act she allegedly committed using her Leso,” shared Maina, visibly distraught.
Expressing suspicion about the circumstances surrounding his wife’s death, Maina urged authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.
Crispinus Ogutu, the Mwea Sub-County police chief, rebutted claims of foul play, asserting that Ng’endo committed suicide using her lesso inside the cell.
“The woman could have died by suicide, possibly under the influence of alcohol as she was drunk when she was arrested. In fact, police officers were called by a member of the public,” stated Ogutu.
