Kenyan Police Custody Death of Erick Otieno Sparks Investigation

Nineteen‑year‑old Erick Otieno, a boda‑boda rider from Mathare, Nairobi, was detained at Muthaiga Police Station on 2 August and released on cash bail. He later died at Mama Margaret Uhuru Hospital. A post‑mortem on 4 August found internal bleeding and a ruptured spleen caused by blunt‑force trauma.

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has taken over the probe, after the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) began inquiries. Otieno’s family alleges police assaulted him and refused to let him seek treatment. No court arraignment or clear charges have been disclosed. Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and human‑rights groups have called for a swift, transparent investigation and accountability for those responsible.