Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has mandated the immediate interdiction of officers responsible for custody duties whenever a detainee dies in police cells. The directive targets personnel manning the Occurrence Book (OB) desk, cell sentries, and duty officers at the station where the death occurs, pending thorough investigations.
Accountability in Police Custody
Speaking on August 12, 2026, at the National Police Leadership Academy in Ngong during a session on new Service Standing Orders and police reforms, Kanja emphasized commanders’ responsibility for detainees’ welfare. He stated, "Any death occurring in police cells, the OB recorder, the cells entry and the duty officer, those officers must be interdicted immediately pending investigation."
Kanja expressed concern over a rise in deaths in custody and police officers’ involvement in criminal acts. He warned that commanders who fail to act against errant officers will be held accountable, adding that those responsible should face legal consequences unless circumstances are beyond control.
Commanders Held Responsible for Crime Trends
Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police, Gilbert Masengeli, reinforced the message by underscoring commanders’ accountability in managing crime within their jurisdictions. He noted that commanders, including regional police and AP commanders, would be the first to answer for any increase in crime.
Recent Custodial Deaths Under Investigation
The directive follows investigations into multiple recent deaths in police custody. Early August saw the death of Gideon Makau at Kilungu Police Station in Makueni County, where police reported suicide by hanging, while his family demands an independent probe. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is investigating the case.
Another incident involved 19-year-old boda boda rider Erick Otieno, who died shortly after release from Muthaiga Police Station. A postmortem revealed massive internal injuries from blunt force trauma, including a ruptured spleen.
These cases have intensified scrutiny on detainee treatment and officers’ responsibilities. Kanja’s order now requires immediate administrative action against key custody officers following any death in police cells, ensuring accountability while investigations proceed.
