“He Just Needed Help”—Man Dies in Police Custody After Mother Fails to Raise Ksh15,000 Bail
Shock and grief have gripped Migori County after Alan Kamau Kimani, 40, died in police custody just hours after his mother failed to raise bail. Kimani had been arrested on September 25 for allegedly cutting down trees and was held at Komomwamu Police Post in Kuria West.
“They Wanted Ksh15,000”—Mother Recounts Harrowing Ordeal
Mary Wambui, Kimani’s mother, revealed that a police officer called her shortly after the arrest. She rushed to the station, hoping to secure her son’s release.
“She claims she was asked to part with Ksh15,000 to have Kimani released,” said Hussein Khalid, CEO of VOCAL Africa. “She didn’t have the money,” he added.
Wambui said the officer later threatened her with dire consequences if she failed to pay.
“The next day, Friday, September 26, she received another call from the same officer,” Khalid explained. “This time, he told her her son was dead,” he added.
“They Said It Was Suicide”—Family Demands Answers
After asking what happened, Wambui was told Kimani had died by suicide while in custody. The sudden death has raised serious questions about police conduct and accountability.
“He was fine when I saw him. How did he die so suddenly?” Wambui asked tearfully.
This incident comes just days after another man, Simon Warui, was found dead in police custody at Mombasa Central Police Station.
“This Is Becoming a Pattern”—IPOA Autopsy Reveals Grim Details
Warui’s family had reported him missing. Days later, he was found dead. An autopsy by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) revealed he died from cardiorespiratory collapse caused by a neck fracture or dislocation.
“We are deeply concerned by the rising deaths in police custody,” IPOA stated. “Investigations are ongoing,” they added.
These back-to-back deaths have triggered public outrage and calls for urgent reforms.
“We Need Justice”—Activists Demand Accountability
Human rights groups are demanding swift action. They want officers involved in Kimani’s case suspended and investigated immediately.
“This is not just negligence. It’s cruelty,” Khalid said. “We will not stop until justice is served,” he vowed.
As the family mourns, Kenyans are left asking—how many more must die before change comes?
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“He Just Needed Help”—Man Dies in Police Custody After Mother Fails to Raise Ksh15,000 Bail
