A family in Kipipiri, Nyandarua County, is demanding a thorough investigation into the death of their relative, 44-year-old Ruigi Ndubi, who allegedly died by suicide while in custody at Turasha Police Station.
According to a police report , Ndubi was arrested on Sunday, June 23, 2025, for allegedly obstructing officers in the line of duty. The report states that he appeared intoxicated at the time of arrest.
“One suspect namely Simon Thumbi, aged about 44 years, had been arrested by police officers today under OB No. 6/23/6/2025 and placed in custody for the offence of obstructing police officers while performing their duty. He appeared to be drunk,” the report reads in part.
Later, during a routine cell inspection at 12:46 p.m., officers allegedly found Ndubi unresponsive. The report claims he had hanged himself using his shirt, which was tied to the padlock on the inner side of the cell door.
However, Ndubi’s family is rejecting the official version of events, pointing to what they describe as suspicious circumstances. Relatives who viewed his body said his knees were touching the ground—an unusual posture for a hanging—raising serious doubts about the suicide claim.
“We are not convinced by the explanation given. The position of his body doesn’t add up,” said one family member, calling for an independent autopsy and investigation.
The family has urged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and other human rights organizations to intervene and help ensure justice is served.
