Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has issued new directives on what to do whenever a suspect dies while in police custody.
Speaking to police commanders during a sensitization forum on the new Service Standing Orders and police reforms on August 12 at the National Police Leadership Academy in Ngong, the IG said those involved should face the law.
“Unless circumstances are beyond one’s control, those responsible should face the law. They know what to do to safeguard the welfare of those in custody,” said Kanja.
Kanja Orders Immediate Interdiction of Officers
The directive targets the Occurrence Book (OB) recorder, cell sentry and duty officer at the station where the death occurs. Kanja said the officers should be interdicted pending investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death.
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He told commanders that the three officers must be removed from duty immediately whenever a death occurs in police cells to allow investigations to establish what happened.
“And I want to make it very clear that in the case of any death occurring in police cells, the OB recorder, cell sentry, and duty officer must be interdicted immediately, pending investigation of whatever happened,” Kanja said.
The Inspector General placed responsibility on commanders to ensure the directive is implemented at police stations under their jurisdiction. He said officers entrusted with detainees have a duty to safeguard their welfare while they remain in custody.
Kanja also warned that officers found culpable after investigations will face disciplinary and legal action.
Rising Deaths in Police Custody Raise Concern
Recently, the country has recorded several deaths involving suspects held in police cells.
Kanja described the increasing number of the deaths as a serious concern and called for accountability among officers responsible for detainees.
The latest case involved Gideon Makau, who was found dead in a cell at Kilungu Police Station in Makueni County after his arrest on August 4. Police reportedly indicated that he had died by suicide, but his family disputed that account and called for an independent investigation.
Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has also been involved in investigations into the circumstances of the death.
Another recent case involved Erick Otieno, a boda boda rider from Mathare who died shortly after being released from Muthaiga Police Station.
His family alleged that he had been assaulted while in custody. A postmortem examination reportedly found massive internal bleeding caused by blunt-force trauma and a ruptured spleen.
In June 2025, the death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang died at Nairobi’s Central Police Station. Following his death, Kanja ordered the interdiction of several officers attached to the station, including senior officers and those who were on duty.
Kanja Warns Rogue Officers and Police Commanders
Kanja also warned police commanders to take action against officers who operate outside the law.
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He raised concerns over rogue officers and stressed that police personnel must follow established procedures regardless of their assignments.
The Inspector General also placed officers serving in VIP protection units on notice, directing them to operate under the law, subject to police regulation
He said the unit required closer attention and stronger adherence to regulations.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli warned commanders that they would be held responsible for security and crime levels within their areas of command.
He cited regional police, Administration Police and Criminal Investigations commanders as officers who would be required to account for their areas.
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