The cause of death of a man who passed away in Migori police custody has been identified as asphyxia, according to a postmortem report.
Vocal Africa Executive Director Hussein Khalid, in a Thursday, October 2 statement, said the outcome raises renewed concerns about the events leading to the man’s demise.
“Alan Kamau Kimani, who lost his life inside a police post in Migori county, died as a result of asphyxia – loss of oxygen,” he noted.
According to Khalid, the events surrounding the postmortem took a disturbing twist when a police officer linked to the case appeared at the examination room.
Autopsy Shows Migori Man Died of Asphyxia While in Police Custody. Photo: Courtesy.
“In a surprise turn of events, the same police officer who was demanding Ksh15,000 before Alan died, sneaked into the postmortem room and was questioning the pathologist, investigators and family members,” he added.
The incident raised suspicion of interference with the investigation, and Khalid noted that the officer fled after being confronted.
The 40-year-old man, identified as Kimani, died in police custody at Komomwamu Police Post under circumstances that have raised concern.
On Tuesday, September 30, Vocal Africa Executive Director Hussein Khalid said Kimani had been arrested late last week over allegations of cutting down trees.
His mother, Mary Wambui, claims she received disturbing calls from officers demanding money for her son’s release and warning her of dire consequences if she failed to pay.
Later that same day, she was informed of Kimani’s death.
Khalid confirmed that Vocal Africa is engaging oversight agencies, including the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), to get to the bottom of the case.
