The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has taken over investigations into the death of 19-year-old Erick Otieno, who died shortly after being released from detention at Muthaiga Police Station.
The National Police Service (NPS) confirmed the development after the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) initiated preliminary inquiries into the incident, which has sparked fresh scrutiny over the treatment of suspects in police custody.
IPOA assumes probe as questions mount
In a statement issued on Wednesday, August 5, NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga confirmed that detectives had begun investigating the circumstances surrounding Otieno's death before the matter was formally handed over to IPOA.
"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," Muchiri said.
The 19-year-old boda boda rider from Mathare was arrested on Sunday, August 2, and later taken to Mama Margaret Uhuru Hospital after being released from police custody, where he was pronounced dead, according to his family.
Family alleges assault as post-mortem reveals cause of death
Otieno's family has accused police officers of assaulting him while he was in custody, further alleging that officers ignored his complaints of injuries and declined to release him promptly to seek medical treatment.
The National Police Service has not publicly responded to the family's allegations.
A post-mortem examination conducted on Tuesday, August 4, established that the teenager died from internal bleeding.
The findings are expected to form a key part of IPOA's investigation as the independent oversight body seeks to establish the events leading to Erick Otieno's death and determine whether any criminal or disciplinary action is warranted.
