By Bonface Mulyungi

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has raised an alarm over the death of a 24-year-old student identified as Brian Njung’e, who allegedly died while in custody under what the legal body has described as “deeply suspicious circumstances.”

‎LSK has called for an immediate, transparent and independent investigation into the incident, insisting that the State bears full responsibility for the safety of all persons held in its custody.

‎LSK President Charles Kanjama said the circumstances surrounding the death raise serious constitutional concerns, including allegations that the family was denied access to the deceased shortly before news of his death was communicated.

‎“When a citizen is arrested, the State assumes a strict, non-delegable constitutional custodial duty of care over their life and physical integrity,” she said.

‎“A police cell must never become a place of unexplained fatality.”

‎Njung’e is alleged to have died by suicide inside the cells under unclear circumstances.

‎The society expressed “deep consternation” over the incident, urging authorities to ensure full accountability and public disclosure of all events leading up to Njung’e’s death.

‎LSK further confirmed that it is engaging the family of the deceased to provide legal support and push for a mandatory public inquest.

‎“We are actively reaching out to Brian’s family to offer comprehensive legal support and ensure a mandatory public inquest is conducted,” the LSK President said.

‎“We will not permit the normalisation of custodial deaths or the evasion of administrative accountability.”

‎The case has sparked renewed public concern over deaths occurring in police custody.

‎The incident has revived memories of previous controversial deaths in custody, including that of Albert Ojwang.

‎Ojwang was arrested on June 6, 2025, in Homa Bay County over allegations linked to a social media post. 

‎He was then transferred to Nairobi, where he was held at Central Police Station.

‎According to investigations and reports from oversight bodies, he died on June 8, 2025, while still in police custody. 

‎His death triggered widespread public outrage, protests in Nairobi and other parts of the country, and renewed calls for police reforms and accountability.