The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched an investigation into the death of Eric Otieno, a Kenyan-American citizen, who died while in custody at the Kitengela police station. Otieno was arrested on September 18, along with two friends, after leaving a nightclub. His family alleges that he was neglected by police officers despite having underlying health conditions.
According to Georginah Mwawasi, Otieno's wife, he was arrested by plain-cloth officers who did not cuff him, and he was put in a lorry with the other two men. Otieno had sent a message saying that there was no reason for his arrest. David Mwangi, a friend, claimed that Otieno had been asked for Ksh. 1,000. The circumstances surrounding his arrest and detention are yet to be fully established.
A fellow detainee, who was arrested alongside Otieno, has given an account of the events leading to Otieno's death. He claimed that Otieno, known as "J", had offered to clean the cells in exchange for his release. However, his condition suddenly deteriorated, and he started convulsing and making strange noises. The detainee alleged that despite their attempts to alert police officers, the response did not come in time.
The detainee described Otieno's condition, stating that his eyes were protruding, and his neck veins were very visible. He claimed that the police officers eventually responded, but it was too late. Otieno's family has alleged neglect by police officers on duty, with his cousin, Eliakim Juma Orunda, stating that those responsible for his death will be held accountable.
A post-mortem examination was conducted on Saturday, which reportedly found no external injuries consistent with an assault. However, the examination did establish that Otieno had tuberculosis and a kidney-related illness. These findings will be scrutinized by investigators as they seek to establish if Otieno received proper care while in custody.
Otieno's family is yet to come to terms with his death. His wife, Georginah, expressed her struggles in breaking the news to their children, saying it will be a difficult conversation to have. The family is demanding answers and accountability for Otieno's death.
The IPOA investigation will aim to establish the circumstances surrounding Otieno's death and determine if police officers followed due process. The probe will also examine if Otieno's underlying health conditions were properly managed while he was in custody.
Key points
- IPOA is investigating the death of Eric Otieno, a Kenyan-American citizen, who died in custody at Kitengela police station.
- Otieno's family alleges neglect by police officers despite his underlying health conditions.
- A post-mortem examination found no external injuries but established that Otieno had tuberculosis and a kidney-related illness.
