MP Millie Odhiambo Condemns Rising Deaths in Police Custody
She said it was shocking that even as the nation awaits answers on the mysterious death of blogger Albert Ojwang’, similar cases continue to emerge.
xr:d:DAFSSmOzfz8:235,j:79543220,t:22120710
By Robert Assad
Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo has expressed alarm over the increasing number of deaths occurring in police custody, following the latest incident involving a fisherman in her constituency.
In a Facebook post, Odhiambo called out the police over what she termed as a disturbing pattern of unexplained deaths in cells. She said it was shocking that even as the nation awaits answers on the mysterious death of blogger Albert Ojwang’, similar cases continue to emerge.
“These deaths in police cells cannot go on. Albert Ojwang’s case is not solved, and the latest case is now Onditi from Ndhuru, in my constituency,” she wrote. “Yet another death in Homa Bay County, then they are giving the story of suicide yet again.”
The latest incident involves Calvince Omondi Onditi, a fisherman from Ndhuru Beach, who was found dead at Kipasi Police Post in Suba North, Homa Bay County.
He had been arrested in the early hours of Sunday, June 15, after allegedly being caught in a goat pen in what police said were accusations of bestiality.
Onditi was detained at Kipasi Police Post and was set to be transferred to Mbita Police Station for further questioning. However, Homa Bay County Police Commander Lawrence Koilim said the suspect was discovered hanging from the roof of the cell with a trouser before the transfer could take place.
Authorities have since launched an investigation, with officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) visiting the scene. The body was moved to Homa Bay County Referral Hospital mortuary after the family was notified.
The family of the deceased is now demanding swift and transparent investigations to uncover the truth behind Onditi’s death and ensure justice is served. They have also questioned the official suicide narrative, urging the government to take firm action.
The incident adds to a growing number of deaths reported in police custody, drawing public condemnation and renewed calls for institutional reform within Kenya’s law enforcement agencies. MP Odhiambo and other leaders continue to urge accountability and the protection of basic human rights within the criminal justice system.
About Author
