A family in Kiambu County is demanding an independent investigation into the death of a young student who allegedly died by suicide while in custody at Kiambu Police Station under what relatives describe as suspicious circumstances.
Student Found Dead Inside Police Cell
The deceased, identified by family members as Brian Njunge Ndungu, was an architecture student at Kiambu National Polytechnic (KINAP).
According to relatives, Brian had recently moved into an apartment in the Kiambu area before he was arrested over allegations of theft involving household items belonging to a neighbour.
Family Questions Circumstances Surrounding Death
Speaking outside the police station, Brian’s sister Claire Njambi said the family was informed that he had been detained over claims involving a missing MacBook laptop, gas cylinder, computer mouse, and two umbrellas.
She alleged that the family became suspicious after two women, one introduced as a chaplain and another as a counsellor, began discussing suicide and grief counselling before formally informing them that Brian had died.
According to Claire, the family was later escorted to the holding cells where they allegedly found Brian hanging inside a cell.
Relatives Claim They Observed Injuries
The family claims they noticed blood stains on Brian’s clothes, bleeding from his nose, and excessive sweating on his body, raising concerns about whether he may have been assaulted before his death.
Brian’s mother, Susan Wambui, emotionally appealed for justice, insisting her son had no reason to steal the items in question.
“I want justice for my son. We have been given no proper explanation except being told he committed suicide,” she said.
Questions Raised Over Theft Complaint
The family also questioned inconsistencies surrounding the alleged complainant and the apartment where the reported theft occurred.
Claire claimed police told them the complainant lived on the ground floor while Brian occupied the first floor, but after visiting the premises, the family allegedly discovered the complainant lived on the first floor while Brian stayed on the second floor.
They further questioned the identity of the alleged caretaker who first contacted the family, saying some tenants reportedly told them the apartment rarely had a caretaker.
Calls for IPOA Investigation
Brian’s brother, Alan Karanja, accused officers of mistreating the student while in custody and demanded accountability.
The family has now called on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and other agencies to conduct an independent investigation into the incident.
By Friday evening, police had not publicly issued a detailed account explaining the events leading to the student’s death.
