The National Police Service (NPS) has announced that investigations into the death of 20-year-old boda boda rider Eric Otieno have been handed over to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), as pressure mounts from rights groups and the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, August 5, the NPS said the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) had immediately launched inquiries after receiving reports of Otieno's death before transferring the matter to the country's independent police watchdog.
"Upon receiving the report of his passing, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations promptly initiated inquiries to establish the full circumstances surrounding this tragic incident. The investigations have now been taken over by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority," the statement read.
The police pledged full cooperation with IPOA as it takes over the 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 service also extended its condolences to the family of the deceased, stating "We extend our sincere condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of the late Mr. Otieno, and we are grateful for the continued cooperation and support extended by the family and members of the public."
Further, the NPS urged Kenyans to refrain from speculation as investigations continue.
The statement came amid growing public outrage over Otieno's death, with rights organisations and legal bodies demanding accountability over allegations that he was assaulted while in police custody.
The Social Justice Centres Working Group called for an independent and transparent investigation, urging all relevant agencies to establish what transpired during Otieno's detention at Muthaiga Police Station.
According to the group, repeated deaths linked to police custody point to a disturbing pattern that is steadily eroding public confidence in law enforcement.
Otieno was arrested on Saturday, August 1, on allegations of preparing to commit a felony. Police said he was released on cash bail the following day but died while being taken to hospital.
His family, however, said they were called to collect him after his release and found him in severe pain before rushing him to hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
The family further alleged that Otieno told them the five officers who arrested him had assaulted him while he was in custody. He reportedly complained of severe pain around his ribs shortly after his release before his condition deteriorated.
A post-mortem examination later established that Otieno died from massive internal haemorrhage caused by abdominal trauma, including a ruptured spleen. The examination also reportedly documented multiple injuries consistent with blunt-force trauma.
The Social Justice Centres Working Group drew parallels between Otieno's death and that of Albert Ojwang, who died while in custody at Nairobi's Central Police Station in June. The group also cited another case at the former Ruaraka Police Station, where a former Officer Commanding Station (OCS), now serving a prison sentence, tortured a man who had committed no offence.
"Torture has no place in a constitutional democracy," the group said, describing every death in custody as "a stain on the justice system."
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) also weighed in, demanding a thorough investigation into Otieno's death and calling for those responsible to be held accountable if criminal wrongdoing is established.
Meanwhile, the incident sparked protests outside Muthaiga Police Station, where residents and activists gathered demanding answers over the circumstances leading to Otieno's death. Demonstrators called for justice, insisting that those implicated be prosecuted if found culpable.
The protesters were later addressed by the Starehe Sub-County Police Commander, who appealed for calm and urged members of the public to allow the investigations to proceed without interference.
As IPOA takes charge of the case, attention is now expected to shift to the independent watchdog's findings, which are likely to determine the events leading to Otieno's death and whether criminal charges will be recommended against any officers involved.
