Family of Man Found Dead in Police Custody Disputes Post-mortem Findings

Stephen Mwangi’s death in Kenol Police Station’s armoury on 5 August has sparked fierce criticism from his family, who dispute the police’s claim of suicide.

Mwangi, aged 35, was found dead on 5 August inside the armoury at Kenol Police Station, a highly restricted area normally off-limits to the public. Police maintain that Mwangi took his own life using a charging cable. However, his family rejects this explanation as implausible. 

Murang'a South Police Commander Charity Karimi has admitted there were “lapses” in security, which has further increased doubts about the official narrative.  A post-mortem examination determined that the cause of death was asphyxia due to obstruction of blood vessels and nerves in the neck. While a cable was found near the body, pathologist Dr Waithera Mbau has said that definitive conclusions are pending further forensic analysis, including toxicology tests.

Nevertheless, Julius Ngugi, a family spokesperson, insists the post-mortem does not explain visible injuries on Mwangi’s body that he believes are inconsistent with suicide. The family’s mistrust is deepened by the fact that the investigation is being carried out by the police force itself.

Adding to the controversy, Kenol Police Station boss Albert Kipchumba was recently transferred. Although officially described as routine, many view this move as an attempt to ease tensions. Other officers have given statements claiming they were off duty when the incident occurred. 

John Muiruri, Mwangi’s father, has publicly rejected the police version of events, arguing that it would have been impossible for his son to access the heavily secured armoury unnoticed. He also alleges that police offered to pay for the funeral expenses, a gesture he perceives as an attempt to discourage independent investigations.