NAIROBI, Kenya — Family members and residents have demanded justice following the death of a bodaboda rider shortly after his release from police custody, prompting protests outside Muthaiga Police Station and renewed calls for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
The deceased, Eric Otieno, was arrested on August 1 on allegations of preparation to commit a felony after reportedly being apprehended along Thika Road.
According to police, Otieno was released on cash bail on August 2 before falling ill while being taken to hospital.
His family, however, alleges he had complained of severe pain and told them he had been assaulted while in police custody.
Relatives said they were called to collect him from the police station after securing his release. They rushed him to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The family further claimed officers initially demanded Sh10,000 cash bail before reducing the amount to Sh6,000 prior to his release.
A post-mortem examination later revealed that Otieno had sustained multiple injuries caused by a blunt object, findings that have intensified demands for accountability.
Police authorities said the post-mortem findings have opened the possibility of a murder investigation as detectives seek to establish the circumstances that led to his death.
The incident triggered protests outside Muthaiga Police Station, where residents gathered to demand justice and accountability.
The demonstrators were addressed by the Starehe Sub-County Police Commander, who appealed for calm and urged members of the public to allow investigations to proceed.
Police said the demonstration remained peaceful, with no injuries reported and no property damaged.
The family has called on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to conduct an independent investigation into the incident, arguing that the circumstances surrounding Otieno’s arrest, detention and subsequent death require impartial scrutiny.
IPOA officials assured the family that investigations would be undertaken to establish the facts and ensure justice is served.
Nairobi Police Commander Issa Mohamud confirmed that investigations into the incident are ongoing.
The case has also sparked online mobilisation, with activists calling for further demonstrations to demand accountability over the rider’s death.
The incident comes amid continued public scrutiny of deaths occurring in police custody and allegations of excessive use of force by law enforcement officers.
In a separate incident, police in Nyandarua County reported the death of Jeremiah Gaihenya Gakiria, 46, who succumbed to injuries sustained after a blue gum tree fell on him while harvesting timber at Ngano Centre in Gathanji Sub-County.
Police said Gakiria suffered severe injuries to both legs and was initially treated at Nyahururu Level V Hospital before being referred to Nakuru County Referral Hospital, where he died while receiving treatment.
His body has been preserved at the Nakuru County Referral Hospital mortuary pending a post-mortem examination, while police have classified the incident as an accidental death.
