Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo has demanded swift investigations into the death of 19-year-old boda boda rider Erick Otieno, saying the circumstances surrounding his death bear disturbing similarities to the 2025 death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody.
Odhiambo spoke after meeting Otieno's family, who say he died on Sunday night after being held at the Muthaiga Police Station.
“Their pain and heartbreak was palpable and devastating,” she said.
She said a post-mortem examination had confirmed that Otieno sustained multiple injuries consistent with blunt force trauma.
“The post-mortem report confirms that there were numerous injuries consistent with blunt force trauma to the chest and abdomen,” Odhiambo said.
According to the autopsy, Otieno died from massive internal bleeding caused by a ruptured spleen following blunt force trauma to the abdomen. The examination also documented injuries extending from his chest to his abdomen and ankle.
Odhiambo questioned the circumstances surrounding the arrest, saying police had yet to provide a clear account of why the teenager was detained or what transpired while he was in custody.
“This is Albert Ojwang all over again,” she said.
Otieno, a Mathare-based boda boda rider, was arrested on Sunday and detained at Muthaiga Police Station before being released. He later collapsed and died, prompting allegations from his family that he had been assaulted while in custody.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has since taken over investigations into the case after the Directorate of Criminal Investigations initiated preliminary inquiries.
Odhiambo said IPOA had already received the post-mortem report and recorded statements from family members.
“IPOA have received the report and taken statements from the family, and we expect that swift investigations will be carried out to establish the truth,” she said.
She also called on the leadership of the National Police Service to preserve all evidence and ensure anyone found culpable is held accountable.
“We call upon the leadership of the National Police Service to preserve the evidence and take decisive steps to identify and bring the perpetrators of any element of foul play to book,” Odhiambo said.
