A family in Kuria West, Migori County, is demanding justice after the reported death of 40-year-old Alan Kamau Kimani while in police custody.
In a statement on Tuesday, September 30, Vocal Africa Executive Director Hussein Khalid said Kimani was arrested late last week in connection with allegations of cutting down trees before being detained at Komomwamu Police Post.
According to Khalif, Kimani’s mother, Mary Wambui, says she received a series of troubling calls from officers shortly before learning of her son’s death.
“40 years old Alan Kamau Kimani was arrested on Thursday, 25th September for allegedly cutting down trees. He was taken to Komomwamu Police Post in Kuria West, Migori County. Kimani’s mother, Mary Wambui, said she was informed of Kimani’s arrest by a police officer through a phone call and went to see him at the police post,” he said.
Khalid added that Wambui was allegedly pressured for money in order to secure her son’s release and later threatened with dire consequences if she did not get the money.
“She claims she was asked to part with Ksh15,000 to have Kimani released, an amount she didn’t have. The next day Friday, 26th September, Wambui received a call from an officer at the police post who allegedly threatened her with dire consequences if she does not go with the money,” he added.
According to Khalid, it was on the same day when Wambui received a call informing her of her son’s death.
“A few hours later on the same Friday, she received another call from the same officer, this time informing her of her son’s death. Wambui says police told her that Kimani committed suicide while in custody,” he further said.
Khalid confirmed that Vocal Africa is already working with oversight bodies, including the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), to establish the facts.
“These claims have raised a lot of concerns and tension in the area. The family is now calling for the arrest of the police officers involved and justice for their kin.
“Vocal Africa is in touch with the family and Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to undertake the autopsy and commence the process of finding justice for Alan Kamau Kimani,” he concluded.
This incident comes just days after another young man, 26-year-old Simon Warui, died in police custody in Mombasa.
Warui had been reported missing by his family in Nairobi on September 14, 2025. They later discovered he was being held at Mombasa Central Police Station. On September 17, 2025, he died in custody.
A post-mortem report said Warui died from cardiorespiratory collapse caused by a fractured and dislocated neck, injuries said to be consistent with a fall from a height.
His family has rejected this explanation and accused the police of a cover-up. His death sparked protests in Mombasa and Nairobi, with human rights groups demanding justice and independent investigations.
