NAIROBI, Kenya — The National Police Service (NPS) has announced that investigations into the death of bodaboda rider Eric Otieno have been formally handed over to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), following public outrage and demands for an independent probe into the circumstances surrounding his death after police detention.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) had immediately launched investigations after receiving reports of Otieno’s death at Mama Margaret Uhuru Hospital, before transferring the matter to IPOA.
“The investigations have now been taken over by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority,” the statement said.
The police service pledged full cooperation with the oversight body, saying it remains committed to ensuring a thorough, impartial and timely investigation.
“The National Police Service remains steadfast in its commitment to cooperating with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority in conducting a thorough, impartial and timely investigation,” the statement added.
The NPS also conveyed condolences to Otieno’s family and urged the public to remain calm, avoid speculation and provide any information that could assist investigators.
The development comes amid growing public pressure following the death of Otieno, who was arrested on August 1 on allegations of preparation to commit a felony after reportedly being apprehended along Thika Road.
According to police, he was released on cash bail on August 2 before falling ill while being taken to hospital.
However, his family disputes that account, alleging Otieno complained of severe pain and told relatives he had been assaulted while in police custody.
The family said they were called to collect him from Muthaiga Police Station after securing his release and rushed him to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Relatives further claimed police initially demanded Sh10,000 cash bail before reducing it to Sh6,000 prior to his release.
A post-mortem examination later established that Otieno had sustained multiple injuries caused by a blunt object, findings that intensified calls for accountability and an independent investigation.
The incident sparked peaceful protests outside Muthaiga Police Station, where residents and family members demanded justice and accountability over the circumstances surrounding the rider’s death.
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 no injuries were reported and no property was damaged during the protest.
Otieno’s family has consistently called on IPOA to independently investigate the arrest, detention and subsequent death, arguing that only an impartial inquiry can establish what transpired while he was in police custody.
With IPOA now formally taking over the case, investigators are expected to examine the events leading to Otieno’s death and determine whether any criminal or disciplinary action is warranted.
Meanwhile, the National Police Service has appealed to anyone with information relevant to the investigation to report to the nearest police station or share information through its toll-free lines, the #FichuaKwaDCI platform or its official WhatsApp reporting channel.
