The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has initiated an investigation into the death of Dennis Aremo Osiemo, who died while in custody at the Narumoru Police Station on September 20, 2026. IPOA chairperson Dancun Ojwang stated that the investigation aims to establish the circumstances surrounding Osiemo's death. The probe was announced following a report that Osiemo was found hanging from the ventilation grills inside the police cell.
According to IPOA, Osiemo's body was taken to the Narumoru Level 4 Hospital Mortuary in Nyeri County for preservation pending a post-mortem examination. The autopsy will be conducted in the presence of IPOA investigators and Osiemo's family members. On September 18, 2026, Osiemo was arrested by Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers, with assistance from Keroka Police Station in Nyamira County, in connection with an assault case.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) reported that Osiemo was wanted for allegedly causing bodily harm to his former employer on July 2, 2026. The incident involved Osiemo allegedly stabbing his former employer multiple times before fleeing. The DCI stated that the case was initially reported at the station, and the victim was admitted to Tumutumu hospital for nine days.
The DCI boss, Mohamed Amin, noted that the complainant later raised concerns over the handling of the case with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) in Nanyuki. Subsequently, the ODPP directed that the matter be taken over by the DCI. Detectives tracked Osiemo to Kisii, where he was reportedly hiding, and he was arrested and taken to the Narumoru Police Station on September 19, 2026.
IPOA chairperson Dancun Ojwang expressed condolences to Osiemo's family and assured them that the matter is receiving attention. Ojwang also addressed concerns over attacks and killings of police officers in various parts of the country, emphasizing the importance of promoting public understanding and good relationships between the police and citizens.
Ojwang condoled with the families of Chief Inspector Adan Isaak Somo and Constable Bethwel Kibet, who were ambushed and killed by suspected cattle raiders in Isiolo County. He also condoled with the family of Gladys Nyaguthe Kirika, who was found dead in Kagira, Kiambu County. Ojwang called on police to work towards ensuring that policing is supported by fit-for-purpose strategies and insights based on evidence.
The DCI has pledged to cooperate fully with IPOA during the investigation. Once the probe is completed, IPOA will provide updates on the matter. The authority has assured the public that it will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding Osiemo's death and provide a comprehensive report.
Key points
- IPOA investigates Dennis Osiemo's death in police custody at Narumoru Police Station
- The investigation aims to establish the circumstances surrounding Osiemo's death
- DCI cooperates fully with IPOA during the investigation
