Authorities in Kilifi County have launched investigations into the death of a 25-year-old remand prisoner who was found dead inside a police cell in Malindi.
The deceased, identified as Lucky Odhiambo Okoth, was discovered on the morning of April 17, 2026, when officers reporting for day duty noticed he was unresponsive in his cell. Police believe the incident may have been a suicide.
According to reports, Okoth had been placed under a 21-day court remand for an abduction case and had only been admitted to custody two days earlier, on April 15.
Preliminary findings indicate that he allegedly used an improvised rope made from pieces of cloth to hang himself from a metal ventilation rod inside the cell.
He was alone at the time, while other detainees were being held in separate cells.
Officers who visited the scene reported visible marks on his neck consistent with hanging. No suicide note was recovered.
The body was moved to Malindi Sub-County Hospital mortuary, where a postmortem examination is expected to establish the exact cause of death.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has been called in to conduct an independent investigation into the incident and determine the circumstances surrounding the death.
The case has sparked concern among local human rights activists, who are calling for accountability and greater safeguards for individuals in police custody.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing, amid growing concern over a rise in reported deaths in police cells in different parts of the country.
The most high profile and recent event was the death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang.
