While authorities often issued explanations soon after each incident, families, activists, and rights groups were left grappling with unanswered questions, disputed narratives, and delayed justice.
At least five deaths in police custody were confirmed during the year, each unfolding under circumstances that raised serious concerns about the safety of detainees and the accountability of law enforcement officers.
Albert Omondi Ojwang
Albert Omondi Ojwang, a 31-year-old teacher and outspoken blogger from Homa Bay County, was among the most high-profile cases. Known for his political commentary online, Ojwang frequently used social media to discuss governance and public accountability—rights guaranteed under Kenya’s Constitution.
On June 7, 2025, police officers arrested Ojwang at his rural home. According to his family, officers failed to give a clear reason for the arrest, allegedly citing online posts that accused a senior police official of corruption. He was then transported to Nairobi and booked at Central Police Station.
Less than 24 hours later, Ojwang was found dead in his cell. Police initially claimed he had taken his own life. However, a post-mortem examination painted a different picture, revealing injuries consistent with assault, including blunt-force trauma and signs of neck compression. The findings sparked public outrage, with protests erupting in Nairobi and renewed calls for police reforms.
Simon Warui
Another case that shocked the public was that of Simon Warui, a 26-year-old resident of Umoja I Estate in Nairobi. Warui disappeared from his home on September 14, setting off a frantic search by his family.
Days later, relatives discovered that he was being held at Central Police Station in Mombasa—over 400 kilometres from where he had vanished. Before they could secure his release, they were informed that Warui had died in custody. Police claimed he had died while attempting to escape.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) later revealed that a post-mortem examination showed Warui died from severe neck injuries, with findings consistent with a fall from height. IPOA confirmed investigations were ongoing, promising accountability.
Alan Kamau Kimani
Alan Kamau Kimani, a 40-year-old man from Kuria West, Migori County, was arrested in September over allegations of illegally cutting trees. Detained at Komomwamu Police Post, his arrest quickly took a darker turn.
According to his family and human rights activists, officers demanded a bribe for his release. His mother reportedly received threatening calls when she failed to raise the money. Hours later, she was informed that her son had died in custody, with police claiming suicide.
The case added to growing concerns over extortion, abuse of power, and the vulnerability of detainees in rural police posts.
Eric Tonui Koros
In Nakuru County, Eric Tonui Koros, a 40-year-old boda boda rider, was arrested on October 7 over an unpaid debt of KSh 8,000—a matter that should ordinarily be resolved through civil courts. He was detained at Solai ACC Police Post.
That same evening, police officers reportedly went to his home and asked his wife to accompany them to the station, where she was informed of his death. Koros left behind a wife and five children, further intensifying debate about the criminalisation of poverty and misuse of police powers.
Paul Njuguna
Paul Njuguna, a 30-year-old man from Gatundu South, was arrested on October 9 by officers from Kiganjo Police Station over alleged possession of marijuana. Witnesses claimed they saw him being beaten during arrest.
Police later stated that Njuguna died after swallowing bhang to conceal evidence. The conflicting accounts—between eyewitnesses and police—deepened public mistrust and highlighted persistent gaps in transparency.
At least five deaths in police custody were confirmed during the year, each unfolding under circumstances that raised serious concerns about the safety of detainees and the accountability of law enforcement officers.
Albert Omondi Ojwang
Albert Omondi Ojwang, a 31-year-old teacher and outspoken blogger from Homa Bay County, was among the most high-profile cases. Known for his political commentary online, Ojwang frequently used social media to discuss governance and public accountability—rights guaranteed under Kenya’s Constitution.
On June 7, 2025, police officers arrested Ojwang at his rural home. According to his family, officers failed to give a clear reason for the arrest, allegedly citing online posts that accused a senior police official of corruption. He was then transported to Nairobi and booked at Central Police Station.
Less than 24 hours later, Ojwang was found dead in his cell. Police initially claimed he had taken his own life. However, a post-mortem examination painted a different picture, revealing injuries consistent with assault, including blunt-force trauma and signs of neck compression. The findings sparked public outrage, with protests erupting in Nairobi and renewed calls for police reforms.
Simon Warui
Another case that shocked the public was that of Simon Warui, a 26-year-old resident of Umoja I Estate in Nairobi. Warui disappeared from his home on September 14, setting off a frantic search by his family.
Days later, relatives discovered that he was being held at Central Police Station in Mombasa—over 400 kilometres from where he had vanished. Before they could secure his release, they were informed that Warui had died in custody. Police claimed he had died while attempting to escape.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) later revealed that a post-mortem examination showed Warui died from severe neck injuries, with findings consistent with a fall from height. IPOA confirmed investigations were ongoing, promising accountability.
Alan Kamau Kimani
Alan Kamau Kimani, a 40-year-old man from Kuria West, Migori County, was arrested in September over allegations of illegally cutting trees. Detained at Komomwamu Police Post, his arrest quickly took a darker turn.
According to his family and human rights activists, officers demanded a bribe for his release. His mother reportedly received threatening calls when she failed to raise the money. Hours later, she was informed that her son had died in custody, with police claiming suicide.
The case added to growing concerns over extortion, abuse of power, and the vulnerability of detainees in rural police posts.
Eric Tonui Koros
In Nakuru County, Eric Tonui Koros, a 40-year-old boda boda rider, was arrested on October 7 over an unpaid debt of KSh 8,000—a matter that should ordinarily be resolved through civil courts. He was detained at Solai ACC Police Post.
That same evening, police officers reportedly went to his home and asked his wife to accompany them to the station, where she was informed of his death. Koros left behind a wife and five children, further intensifying debate about the criminalisation of poverty and misuse of police powers.
Paul Njuguna
Paul Njuguna, a 30-year-old man from Gatundu South, was arrested on October 9 by officers from Kiganjo Police Station over alleged possession of marijuana. Witnesses claimed they saw him being beaten during arrest.
Police later stated that Njuguna died after swallowing bhang to conceal evidence. The conflicting accounts—between eyewitnesses and police—deepened public mistrust and highlighted persistent gaps in transparency.
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