Police and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) are investigating the death of a man who had been detained at the Kamukunji Police Station in Nairobi. The man, Boniface Mutembei, had been arrested on the night of May 29 for alleged disorderly conduct.
After his arrest, Mutembei was booked into the Kamukunji cells. During his detention, other cellmates informed officers that Mutembei was complaining of feeling unwell. On Thursday morning, Mutembei reportedly collapsed in the cell after experiencing convulsions and epileptic seizures. His cellmates called for help, and police officers on duty found him lying unconscious but still breathing.
Mutembei was immediately rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. His body has been moved to the mortuary pending an autopsy and further investigations.
Nairobi police boss Adamson Bungei described the incident as unfortunate and assured that an investigation would be conducted to determine the circumstances surrounding Mutembei’s death. “That is a life lost and we will establish what happened and why,” Bungei stated.
The IPOA has been notified of the incident and has joined the investigation. As part of their inquiry, IPOA will interview the cellmates who were present, the police officers on duty, and the deceased’s family to gather more information.
