Inquiry launched after suspect dies in police cell in Machakos County

An inquiry has been launched into the death of a man inside a police station in Yatta Sub County, Machakos County.

Francis Ngige, who was being held for burglary and theft, is reported to have committed suicide inside the cell where he was the sole occupant.

“It was reported at Mamba Police Post by Mr Stephen Muindi while he was on the routine check of his post cells, he discovered the only suspect in cells had committed suicide,” Nation.Africa quotes the report to read in part.

It noted that the 30-year-old’s body was found dangling from the door hinges of the holding cell.

Ngige’s burglary and theft case was reported and recorded as Occurrence Book (OB) number 04/23/12/2022.

The scene was visited by the Deputy Criminal Investigative Officer (DCIO) and the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Yatta, for processing and documentation.

The body of the deceased was removed and taken to Mbaku Funeral Home.

An inquiry number 1/2023 was opened.

There had been no comment from Ngige’s family on the matter at the time of publishing this article.

The incident comes just days after another suspect was found dead in another police holding cell.

Santa Junju has been arrested at a party in Kizurini, Kilifi County, on January 11, 2023.

The following day, his cousin visited the station to ascertain the reasons for his arrest, but he was informed that he had committed suicide. In that case too, the police officers said the suspect’s body was found dangling from a window grill, with a rope tied around the neck.