The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has revealed details surrounding the death of Dennis Aremo Osiemo, who was found dead in a cell at Narumoru Police Station. According to the DCI, Osiemo died on Sunday, September 20, two days after detectives arrested him in Kisii in connection with an assault case. The case arose from an incident on July 2, 2026, in which Osiemo, a former farmhand of the complainant, was alleged to have gone to her home, assaulted her and stabbed her several times before fleeing.
The DCI stated that Osiemo had been sought over an incident reported at Narumoru Police Station on July 2, 2026, involving allegations of assault causing actual bodily harm. The suspect was accused of attacking a former employer at her home and stabbing her several times before fleeing the scene. The woman reported the matter to police and was admitted to Tumutumu Hospital, where she spent nine days. The complainant later raised concerns about the handling of the case with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) in Nanyuki.
Following the concerns, the ODPP directed that the DCI take over the investigation, and the case file was subsequently forwarded to the Sub-County Criminal Investigations Officer (SCCIO), Kieni East, on September 3. Detectives traced Osiemo to Kisii, where they said he had been hiding. With the assistance of the SCCIO, Masaba North, DCI officers from Kieni East arrested Osiemo in Kisii on September 18, 2026. He was first booked at Keroka Police Station as arrangements were made for his collection by DCI officers from Kieni East.
Osiemo was later transferred to Narumoru Police Station and booked there on September 19. The DCI said Osiemo was processed and his statement recorded on the same day before he was returned to the cells. According to the agency, he appeared to be in normal condition at the time. His appearance in court had been scheduled for Monday, September 21, in connection with the assault case. However, the DCI said officers discovered him dead in his cell on Sunday.
The DCI said Osiemo was found hanging from the ventilation grills inside the police cell at Narumoru Police Station. The scene was processed in the presence of IPOA officers, senior police officers and one of Osiemo’s relatives. His body was later taken to Narumoru mortuary, where it was to remain pending an autopsy. The DCI said IPOA would lead the investigation into the circumstances of the death, with the agency committing to cooperate with the oversight body.
The DCI also sent condolences to Osiemo’s family and friends, while assuring the public that investigations would seek to establish what happened while he was in custody. The agency urged the public to await findings from the independent investigation and cautioned against relying on unverified accounts circulating on social media. The public is urged to rely on verified official information and to await the outcome of the independent investigation.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has taken over investigations into the death of Dennis Aremo Osiemo. The DCI will accord the Authority full cooperation. Key points to note in this case include:
Key points
- The DCI has handed over the investigation into Osiemo's death to IPOA.
- Osiemo was found hanging from the ventilation grills inside the police cell at Narumoru Police Station.
- The DCI has urged the public to rely on verified official information and to await the outcome of the independent investigation.
