Fresh questions are being raised over the death of 20-year-old Eric Otieno, a boda boda rider who died shortly after being released from police custody at Muthaiga Police Station.
According to information shared by his family and widely circulated online, Eric was arrested on the night of August 2, 2026, on allegations of preparing to commit a felony and detained at the station.
His family says he was released at around 11 p.m. the following night in severe pain and was rushed to Mama Margaret Uhuru Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
The family alleges that Eric complained he had been assaulted while in custody. They further claim that an autopsy later revealed physical injuries consistent with those allegations. These claims have not been independently verified and remain subject to official investigation.
The incident has sparked anger among residents and young people, who reportedly gathered outside Muthaiga Police Station demanding accountability and justice.
Many have drawn comparisons with the 2025 death of blogger Albert Ojwang, whose death in police custody triggered nationwide outrage and renewed calls for police accountability.
Eric's family is now calling on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to conduct an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his arrest, detention and death.
The case has also reignited concerns about the safety of suspects held in police custody, with Kenyans on social media questioning why similar incidents continue to be reported despite repeated promises of reforms within the National Police Service.
Rights groups have consistently maintained that every person taken into custody has a constitutional right to life, dignity and protection from torture or cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment. They argue that any death occurring in police custody demands a transparent, independent and credible investigation.
As public pressure grows, many Kenyans are now waiting for police authorities and IPOA to establish exactly what happened during Eric Otieno's detention and whether any officers will be held accountable if wrongdoing is established.