A family in Homa Bay County is calling for a thorough investigation into the mysterious death of a fisherman who died while in police custody at Kipasi Police Post, after a postmortem revealed he died from strangulation.
According to County Medical Services Chief Officer Dr. Kevin Osuri, the autopsy conducted at Homa Bay County Referral Hospital showed that the deceased, identified as Calvins Omondi Onditi, died from asphyxiation due to strangulation. He was reportedly found with a pair of trousers tied around his neck while being held at the police post.
Dr. Osuri stated that it was now up to investigative officers to determine how the trousers came to be tied around the deceased’s neck. “Our work was to confirm the cause of death, and now it is for investigators to establish the circumstances that led to it,” he said.
However, the family has disputed the official account and demanded a full and independent investigation. Millicent Akoth, the deceased’s mother, questioned the police narrative, saying her son was wearing shorts when he left home. “Police should explain how my son ended up with trousers around his neck. Where did they come from?” she asked.
The family’s lawyer, Albert Ongoso, added that Omondi was intoxicated at the time of arrest and was therefore unlikely to have taken his own life. “In his state, he could not have climbed to any height to commit suicide. We also want to know why the body was moved to the mortuary without informing or involving the family,” Ongoso said.
Relatives are also urging the government to take responsibility for funeral expenses. “He died in police custody; the government should ensure he is accorded a dignified burial,” said Achieng Achieng, a cousin of the deceased.
The incident has sparked renewed concerns over custodial deaths and police accountability, with the family insisting that justice must be served. Investigations are ongoing.
Written By Rodney Mbua
