The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has taken over investigations into the death of 19-year-old Eric Otieno, following his detention at Muthaiga Police Station on Sunday, August 2, the National Police Service (NPS) confirmed.
In a statement to newsrooms on Wednesday, August 5, NPS Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) had started inquiries after receiving a report about Otieno’s death.
“Upon receiving the report of his passing, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations promptly initiated inquiries to establish the full circumstances surrounding this tragic incident. The investigations have now been taken over by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority,” Nyaga said.
Otieno, a boda boda rider from Mathare in Nairobi, was reportedly taken to Mama Margaret Uhuru Hospital in Nairobi after his release from police custody, where hospital officials pronounced him dead, according to his family.
The family alleged that police officers assaulted him and that officers also refused to release him for treatment despite their complaints that he had sustained injuries. Police have not yet responded to these claims.
A post-mortem carried out on Tuesday, August 4, concluded that Otieno died from internal bleeding, with a ruptured spleen attributed to blunt force trauma.
A lawyer representing the deceased’s family said the autopsy also identified injuries that ran from Otieno’s chest to his abdomen and ankle.
Reports further indicate that police did not arraign Otieno in court before he died, and it remains unclear what charges, if any, officers held against him at the time of his arrest. Police arrested him along Thika Road on allegations of preparation to commit a felony.
Police at the station said Otieno was released on cash bail on August 2 but later died while being taken to hospital.
The case has drawn public concern, prompting calls from leaders and rights groups for thorough investigations and accountability.
In a social media post on Wednesday afternoon, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino urged authorities to act immediately. He called on the Inspector General of Police to launch investigations and to ensure that those responsible face consequences.
“We condemn the death of Erick Otieno, a boda boda rider from Mathare, who succumbed to injuries while in police custody. We call on the IG of Police to initiate immediate investigations into this matter and ensure all responsible parties are held accountable,” Owino wrote.
Human rights group VOCAL Africa said it is monitoring the investigations and called for accountability regarding the circumstances surrounding Otieno’s death.
In its statement, the National Police Service urged the public to stay calm, avoid speculation, and continue cooperating with investigators by sharing any relevant information.
