MAKUENI, Kenya — Questions have emerged over the death of a middle-aged man who died in police custody at Kilungu Police Station, just hours after his arrest at Nunguni Market in Makueni County.
Gedion Makau was arrested on Tuesday evening at his business premises at Nunguni Shopping Centre on allegations that he was in possession of a panga. He was subsequently taken to Kilungu Police Station, where he was detained.
His family said they only learnt of his death the following day after a friend informed them that Makau’s body had been taken to the mortuary at Kilungu Sub-County Hospital.
According to the family, police later asked them to report to the station, where they were informed that Makau had allegedly died by suicide while in the cells.
Police reportedly told the family that Makau had used his trousers to take his own life.
The explanation has, however, raised questions among his relatives, who are demanding an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Makau’s mother, Teresia Mbandi, and his wife, Pauline Gedion, have expressed doubts over the police account and questioned why his body was taken to the mortuary before the family was informed of his death.
The family wants authorities to establish what happened between the time Makau was arrested and when he was found dead in custody.
Kilungu Ward MCA Joseph Mbindyo also raised concern over the incident, describing deaths in police custody as a worrying trend that requires greater scrutiny.
Mbindyo called for accountability, saying officers found to have been negligent or responsible for wrongdoing should face appropriate action.
The circumstances surrounding Makau’s death remain unclear as investigations continue.
His body is currently lying at Kilungu Sub-County Hospital Mortuary, where a post-mortem examination is expected to establish the cause and circumstances of his death.
