Nairobi County Officer Dies After Falling From 6th Floor During Bribery Probe

A Nairobi City County enforcement officer died after falling from the sixth floor of City Hall Annex on 31 May while being questioned over alleged extortion.

Oscar Mungai Kanyi, a constable attached to Kasarani Sub-County, was officially on leave and not scheduled to resume duty until 10 June. However, he was seen in full inspectorate uniform along Kimathi Street on the day of the incident. 

The area is known for frequent complaints involving harassment and bribery by county officers. Kanyi was arrested at the scene alongside another individual, Joseph Muchiri, on suspicion of soliciting bribes from motorists.

According to information presented to the County Assembly’s Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC), Kanyi was taken to City Hall Annex for interrogation based on a tip-off. The questioning took place on the sixth floor, where the governor’s office is located. 

During the session, Kanyi reportedly attempted to flee by jumping out of a window, resulting in his death. The event was witnessed by members of the public, and video footage was later circulated on social media.

The JLAC, chaired by Mugumoini MCA Jared Akama, is now investigating the circumstances of Kanyi’s death. The committee is seeking clarity on whether the officer faced any form of coercion or mistreatment during the interrogation.

Questions have also been raised about the absence of supervisory personnel during the questioning process and whether standard procedures were followed.

Eva Wangechi Wairiuko, Acting Head of the Inspectorate Department, told the committee that enforcement officers often face mental health challenges due to work-related stress and public hostility. 

She said counselling services are available, though concerns remain about their adequacy and accessibility. The committee is further examining how an officer on leave was in uniform and actively operating in the central business district. It is also reviewing whether Kanyi’s arrest and subsequent questioning were handled in line with proper protocols. 

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has taken over the formal probe into the incident. Separately, City Hall is investigating several complaints involving impersonation and extortion by individuals wearing inspectorate uniforms.

A report submitted to the JLAC highlights five ongoing cases, including one where a trader was allegedly forced to pay Sh6,000 by two men, one of whom was in a county uniform. The reported incidents suggest possible collusion between enforcement officers and civilians in illegal operations. 

JLAC members have expressed concern that corruption within the inspectorate unit may be more widespread than previously recognised.