A witness who was arrested alongside Eric Otieno, a Kenyan-American man who died in Kitengela Police Station cells, has given a chilling account of the events that unfolded in the hours leading to his death. Eric, also known as Jay, was arrested on the night of September 18, along with two companions, as they left a nightclub. According to Raphael Mwenda, who was also arrested, Eric had offered to clean the cells in a bid to secure his release.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched an investigation into the circumstances of Eric's death. Mwenda revealed that Eric's condition worsened while in the cell, with loud convulsions and noises coming from him. Despite efforts by those in the cell to alert officers, help did not arrive quickly enough. Eric's body was found contorted to the left on his side, with protruding eyes and red veins on his neck.
Eric's family maintains that he had committed no offence at the time of his arrest and that officers on duty were warned about his deteriorating state but failed to act with urgency. Eric was a father of two. A postmortem examination conducted on Saturday found no external injuries consistent with physical assault. Examiners established that Eric had underlying health conditions, including tuberculosis and a kidney-related illness.
A close friend, Eliakim Juma, expressed outrage over the handling of Eric's situation, stating that those responsible for his care failed in their duty. Juma emphasized that whether or not the officers directly caused Eric's death, they are still guilty of negligence. The incident has raised concerns about police handling of suspects with health conditions.
The IPOA's investigation aims to uncover the truth behind Eric's death and determine whether police actions or negligence contributed to the outcome. The incident has sparked public outcry, with many demanding accountability from law enforcement. Eric's family and friends are seeking justice for his death.
According to Mwenda, the situation in the cell was chaotic as Eric's condition worsened. He added that those inside the cell tried desperately to alert officers, but their efforts were in vain. The delay in response has been questioned by many, including Eric's family and friends.
The case highlights the need for police officers to be trained in handling suspects with health conditions and responding to emergencies. The incident has also raised questions about the living conditions in police cells and the availability of medical care for detainees.
Key points
- The Independent Policing Oversight Authority has launched an investigation into Eric Otieno's death.
- Eric Otieno had underlying health conditions, including tuberculosis and a kidney-related illness.
- A friend who was arrested with Eric described the events leading to his death, including efforts to alert officers about his deteriorating condition.
