IPOA Investigates Death of Suspect at Kisumu Central Police Station
IPOA’s investigation will include interviewing the officers on duty at the time, reviewing custody records, and examining the adherence.
Photo/police vehicle/courtesy
By Ruth Sang
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority has launched a formal inquiry into the death of a robbery suspect who reportedly died while in custody at Kisumu Central Police Station last week. The incident, now raising concerns about police custody protocols, is currently being closely scrutinized by the oversight body.
According to Paul Murkomen, the Nyanza Regional Coordinator of IPOA, authority officers have already started recording statements from the police personnel who were on duty when the suspect, Kelvin Oduor alias Kevo, died. Murkomen added that the investigation was meant to ascertain whether the death was suicide or otherwise, and whether there were contributing factors to the incident, including foul play.
“IPOA officers are vigorously pursuing the relatives of the deceased to ensure they are duly informed and involved in the investigation,” Murkomen said. He pointed out that a post-mortem examination will be conducted to establish the exact cause of death and provide an independent assessment of the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Oduor had been arrested on Monday, October 27, over a case of robbery with violence. He was remanded for 14 days awaiting the next hearing of the case. On Friday, October 31, however, he was said to have been found hanging in the bathroom of the police cells. Police officers at the station claimed Oduor took his life while in custody.
The case has prompted IPOA to review the management and monitoring of detainees in police custody, especially those detained for serious criminal offenses. Murkomen said the authority was committed to ensuring accountability and transparency in all matters relating to deaths in police detention.
IPOA’s investigation will include interviewing the officers on duty at the time, reviewing custody records, and examining the adherence to standard operating procedures during the handling of suspects. Consultations with the family of the deceased will also be sought to give a view of the event and take their rights into consideration during the inquiry process.
The incident has raised public concern over the safety of suspects while in police custody and underscores the need for tight vigilance to avoid such incidences that lead to loss of life. The investigation by IPOA is likely to shed light on whether the suspect’s death was self-inflicted or if there were loopholes in police procedures which may have contributed to the tragedy. The police have, however, assured the public that after investigation, stern action will be taken against any negligent or erring individual. The case is still attracting attention as citizens await findings of an independent inquiry into the circumstances leading to Kelvin Oduor’s death.
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