A grieving family in Makueni County is seeking answers after businessman Gideon Makau died in police custody just hours after his arrest at his shop in Nunguni Shopping Centre.
Makau was detained on the evening of Tuesday, August 11, on allegations of possessing a machete. He was held at Kilungu Police Station, where he was found dead the following morning.
Authorities told the family that Makau had committed suicide by hanging himself with his trousers. However, his mother, Teresia Mbandi, disputes this version, noting that the clothing around his neck was loose and could not have caused death by hanging.
"When I held the trousers around his neck, they were not tight at all. I cannot accept that he took his own life," said Mbandi, expressing profound grief and demanding justice.
Makau's wife, Pauline Gideon, also questioned the official account, urging investigative agencies to act swiftly and transparently.
Community and Officials Raise Concerns
- Kilungu Ward MCA Joseph Mbindyo alleged that Makau was beaten while in custody and called for those responsible to be held accountable.
- Local resident Priscilla Wavinya highlighted that Makau is reportedly the third person to die under similar circumstances at Kilungu Police Station, with families often informed only after the bodies have been taken to the mortuary.
The family has yet to receive the results of a postmortem examination that will determine the official cause of death. Meanwhile, Makau's body remains at Kilungu Sub-County Mortuary as investigations continue.
