The investigation into the death of Mathare boda boda rider Eric Otieno has been placed in the hands of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), with the National Police Service (NPS) saying the move is intended to guarantee an independent and transparent inquiry into the incident.
The police service said the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) had moved quickly to begin investigations after receiving information about Otieno's death. However, the case has now been transferred to IPOA, which is mandated to investigate deaths linked to police action.
“The National Police Service wishes to update the public on the ongoing investigation into the death of Erick Otieno at Mama Margaret Uhuru Hospital,” NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said in a statement.
“Upon receiving the report of his passing, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations promptly initiated inquiries to establish the full circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.”
Nyaga said the transfer of the case to IPOA was part of efforts to ensure the investigation is handled independently, adding that the police service would provide any support required by the oversight authority.
“The investigations have now been taken over by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority,” he said.
“The National Police Service remains steadfast in its commitment to cooperating with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority in conducting a thorough, impartial and timely investigation.”
The NPS also expressed sympathy to Otieno's family, friends and relatives as they mourn his death and thanked them, together with members of the public, for cooperating with investigators.
“We extend our sincere condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of the late Otieno, and we are grateful for the continued cooperation and support extended by the family and members of the public,” Nyaga said.
The police service appealed for patience as investigations continue, urging the public to avoid drawing conclusions before the inquiry is completed. It also called on anyone with information that could assist the investigation to report to the nearest police station.
“Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is encouraged to report at the nearest police station,” Nyaga said.
Otieno died a few hours after leaving Muthaiga Police Station, where he had been detained following his arrest.
According to his family, they were asked to collect him after he was released and found him in great pain. They said Otieno told them he had been assaulted by five police officers involved in his arrest while he was being held at the station.
His condition later worsened after he complained of severe pain around his ribs, prompting his family to rush him to hospital, where he died while undergoing treatment.
A post-mortem examination later found that he suffered massive internal bleeding caused by abdominal injuries, including a ruptured spleen. The examination also reportedly established that he had multiple injuries consistent with blunt force trauma.