Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has directed that police officers on duty be interdicted whenever a suspect dies in police custody, pending investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death.
Kanja issued the directive in response to growing concerns over cases of suspects and inmates dying while in police custody. He said officers responsible for recording entries in the Occurrence Book (OB), the cell sentry and the duty officer must be held accountable whenever such incidents occur.
The IG also expressed frustration over the failure by some police commanders to address cases of misconduct within their units. He warned that commanders could face disciplinary action if they fail to take appropriate action against officers under their command.
Kanja’s directive came a day after the family of Gideon Makau raised concerns over his mysterious death, which occurred hours after his arrest and booking at Kilungu Police Station.
Speaking during a meeting with regional police commanders, Kanja said officers who were on duty when a suspect dies in custody must be interdicted immediately as investigations are conducted.
He directed commanders to ensure the measure is applied to all similar cases.
“Any death occurring in police cells, the O.B recorder, the cell sentry and the duty officer, those officers must be interdicted immediately pending investigations of what happened. That’s something that you, as commanders, must ensure happens,” Kanja stated.
Makau died two days after another suspect, Eric Otieno, who was booked at Muthaiga Police Station on August 1, died 24 hours after he was allegedly assaulted in police custody.
Kanja’s warning comes amid increased scrutiny of police conduct, with three police officers implicated in the murder of Dr Victoria Mutiso, who was gunned down on July 29.
“Let every commander, every line manager get to account for the officers at all times. You must account for the equipment that is held by your officers for the discharge of their duties,” Kanja said.
Deputy Inspector General of Police, Administration Police Service, Gilbert Masengeli, similarly warned commanders that they would be held responsible for rising crime in their areas of jurisdiction.
“Crime going up in your areas of responsibility, you, as the commander, will be the first to be questioned. For us, this is a warning against careless command,” Masengeli stated.
With concerns over the goons crisis and security ahead of the 2027 General Election, Kanja warned that commanders who fail to curb criminal gangs in their areas could face disciplinary measures, including demotion.
“I need to be getting returns of all the goons who have been arrested in your respective areas. This is something that we must stop. It is the responsibility of NPS. Don’t allow goonism,” Kanja stated.
Kanja was speaking during a meeting with regional police commanders at the National Police Leadership Academy, where he sensitized them on the newly established Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit.
The unit, which will be headed by a commandant, will comprise more than 2,500 officers drawn from the National Police Service and the Nairobi County Inspectorate. It is expected to strengthen security operations across Nairobi.
