Outrage as abduction suspect dies in Malindi police cell

A 25-year-old remand prisoner was found dead in a police cell in Malindi, Kilifi county, in what authorities believe to be a suicide, police said.

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority was called to join the probe into the incident. 

They want to understand how the suspect died. 

The incident has drawn sharp criticism from local human rights activists who have demanded accountability.

According to the police, the incident happened on April 17, 2026 and was discovered in the morning when police officers taking over day duties from the night shift noticed that one inmate had died while in custody.

The deceased, identified as Lucky Odhiambo Okoth, was being held at the station under a 21-day court remand order for the offence of abduction, having been admitted into custody on April 15, 2026, police said.

Police reports indicate that the prisoner allegedly used an improvised rope made from pieces of cloth to hang himself from a metal ventilation rod inside the cell. 

He was reportedly alone in the room at the time of the incident, while 21 other detainees were being held in separate cells.

No suicide note was recovered, and the body was found with visible rope marks on the neck consistent with hanging, police who visited the scene said.

The body was moved to Malindi Sub-County Hospital mortuary, awaiting a postmortem examination as investigations into the incident continue.

A team of officials from IPOA was expected at the station to continue with the investigations into the death.

Cases of suicide in police cells have been on the rise in parts of the country amid probe, officials say.

Meanwhile, one person died and another sustained injuries following the collapse of an under-construction building in Athi River, Machakos county.

According to police, the incident occurred on the morning of April 17, 2026, at around 5:00 am in Mutunguni area. 

The building was still under construction when a wall beam reportedly gave way, causing the concrete roofing to collapse.

Two workers attempted to escape but were struck by falling debris.

The deceased, identified as Daniel Mukeka, 28, sustained severe injuries and was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. 

His body was later moved to Shalom Funeral Home pending a postmortem examination.

Another worker suffered injuries to his back and feet and was initially treated at the same facility before being referred to Machakos Level IV Hospital for further treatment.

Police officers visited the scene and have launched investigations into the cause of the collapse.