Dead behind bars: 22 die in police custody as pressure mounts for accountability
Data shows that eight died from suffocation caused by hanging.
At least 22 people have died in police custody this year, according to human rights organizations. This has led to increased pressure on the National Police Service to hold officers personally accountable for deaths in detention, as directed by Inspector-General Douglas Kanja. The Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU) documented 20 deaths in police custody this year, while Vocal Africa reported at least 22 cases since the beginning of the year.
Forensic examinations revealed that eight victims died from suffocation due to hanging or neck compression, five from severe physical violence and blunt-force trauma, and five from underlying medical conditions that worsened due to neglect, poor detention conditions, and inadequate medical care. The IMLU emphasized that these deaths constitute a severe human rights violation, as the state is responsible for protecting individuals under its care.
Of the 20 cases recorded, 19 victims were adults aged between 25 and 64, with one infant boy accompanying his mother. The IMLU supported forensic autopsies and medico-legal documentation in 18 of the cases, revealing three main causes of death: suffocation, blunt-force trauma, and underlying medical conditions. The organization also provided grief support to families of 13 victims.
Inspector-General Kanja directed that officers responsible for detainees be held accountable when a person dies in custody, with cell sentries and duty officers immediately interdicted pending investigations. He warned police commanders to face personal accountability for crimes committed under their jurisdiction. Vocal Africa commended Kanja's directive but stressed that words must be followed by action, such as thorough investigations, arrests, and prosecutions of officers implicated in unlawful killings and other criminal conduct.
The organization called for the installation of CCTV cameras in all police cells and custody areas, with footage securely preserved and protected from tampering.
Written by urgent.news from Nation Africa's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
