The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the death of Simon Warui, who died while in police custody at Central Police Station in Mombasa.
In a statement released on Tuesday, September 23, IPOA disclosed that it has obtained the post-mortem report, which reveals that Warui died as a result of cardiorespiratory collapse due to fracture and dislocation of the neck, consistent with injuries from a fall from height.
The oversight body confirmed that its investigation team has already begun collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing police procedures relating to Warui’s detention.
“IPOA emphasises that safety and rights of individuals placed in police custody are paramount and will work diligently to ensure justice is served,” the statement read. “We assure the public that IPOA will handle this incident with the seriousness it deserves and further extend condolences to the family of the deceased.”
The case began when Warui, a 26-year-old resident of Umoja estate in Nairobi, vanished from his home on Sunday, September 14.
His relatives spent several anxious days searching for him across the capital city, completely unaware that he had somehow been transported to the coastal region.
The family’s search took a dramatic turn when they discovered that Warui was being held in police custody in Mombasa.
By the time relatives arrived at Central Police Station in Mombasa to secure his release, they were informed that Warui had already died while in custody.
Police authorities initially claimed that Warui, who was being detained on theft-related charges, had died during an alleged escape attempt.
However, this explanation raised immediate questions given the severity of injuries discovered during the post-mortem examination.
The post-mortem examination revealed that Warui suffered from neck fractures and oxygen deprivation as the primary cause of death.
Medical examination also uncovered additional troubling injuries, including arm fractures, scalp wounds, spinal hemorrhage, and what appeared to be ligature marks on his body.
These findings have intensified scrutiny over the circumstances of his death and the conditions under which he was held in police custody.
The Law Society of Kenya has formally taken up the case, with President Faith Odhiambo expressing grave concerns about the circumstances surrounding Warui’s death.
The legal body has appointed a dedicated lawyer to represent the deceased’s family and monitor the progress of investigations.
