Police and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) have launched investigations into the mysterious death of a suspect who allegedly died by suicide inside a cell at the Kawangware police post in Nairobi.
According to a police report, the deceased, identified as 35-year-old Jack Leon Matoke, had been handed over to officers by members of the public who accused him of stealing a motorcycle. The theft case had earlier been reported at Muthangari Police Station on September 10, 2025.
What Happened at the Police Post
Police say the suspect was booked on Thursday, December 11, at around 7:35 pm, after being searched and detained pending transfer to Muthangari.
A little over an hour later, officers on duty reported hearing an unusual noise coming from the cells. When they rushed to check, they found Matoke hanging from a piece of cloth tied around his neck and fastened onto the cell door.
Officers removed him and rushed him to hospital, but he was pronounced dead on arrival.
IPOA Steps In
The body has since been moved to the City Mortuary, awaiting an autopsy as required in all cases involving deaths in police custody.
IPOA is expected to conduct an independent inquiry into:
- The circumstances surrounding the detention
- Whether proper procedures were followed
- How the suspect accessed the cloth used
- Any possible signs of negligence or foul play
Why This Story Matters
Deaths inside police cells often trigger public concern and require multi-agency investigations to rule out misconduct. IPOA’s involvement ensures transparency and accountability as the probe continues.
