KISUMU, Kenya – The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has opened an investigation into the death of a robbery with violence suspect who allegedly took his own life while in police custody at Kisumu Central Police Station.
IPOA Nyanza Regional Coordinator Paul Murkomen confirmed that officers from the authority have already recorded statements from police personnel who were on duty when the incident occurred.
Murkomen said the inquiry seeks to establish whether the death of the suspect, identified as Kelvin Oduor, also known as Kevo, was a case of suicide or if foul play was involved.
“The authority is conducting an independent investigation to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident,” he said.
He added that IPOA is tracing Oduor’s family as part of the probe.
A post-mortem examination is expected to be conducted to determine the precise cause of death.
Oduor had been arrested on October 27 in connection with a robbery with violence case and remanded for 14 days pending his next court appearance.
However, on October 31, he was reportedly found hanging in the bathroom of the police cells. Officers at the station claimed the suspect had taken his own life.
The investigation comes amid renewed public concern over deaths of suspects in police custody, which IPOA has repeatedly said must be subjected to independent scrutiny.
