NAIROBI, Kenya- Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo has raised concerns over the death of Mathare boda boda rider Eric Otieno, who died shortly after being released from Muthaiga Police Station, calling for accountability and a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Otieno’s death has drawn public attention after a post-mortem examination reportedly established that he died from internal haemorrhage, with questions emerging over what happened while he was in police custody.
In a statement, Odhiambo linked the incident to wider concerns surrounding deaths involving people who have been in the hands of security agencies, referencing the death of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang, whose case sparked national debate on police accountability.
“Another life lost in police custody. Another family left with questions. Another silence where there should be accountability,” Odhiambo said.
She said the death of Otieno should not be treated as an isolated incident, arguing that every person held in police custody is entitled to protection under the law.
“Police cells must never become waiting rooms for death. They are spaces of lawful custody, not unrecorded endings,” she said.
Odhiambo said when the State takes custody of a citizen, it assumes a duty of care and responsibility to safeguard their rights.
She further argued that such incidents affect public confidence in law enforcement institutions and undermine constitutional protections, including the right to a fair trial and the presumption of innocence guaranteed under Article 50 of the Constitution.
“When the State takes a citizen into its hands, it assumes a duty of care, not a licence for cruelty, neglect or disappearance,” she said.
The former LSK President called for justice and transparency, saying accountability should be demonstrated through investigations and action.
“Justice must not be begged for. It must be demanded, enforced, and seen,” she said.
