Residents of Kipipiri in Nyandarua County have taken to the streets demanding justice following the death of a suspect while in police custody. The incident, which occurred on Monday, June 23, has triggered widespread concern and calls for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s death.
The deceased, a 44-year-old man identified as Simon Ndubi, was reportedly arrested for allegedly obstructing police officers from carrying out their duties. Authorities claimed that he appeared intoxicated at the time of his arrest and was taken into custody at Turasha Police Station.
According to a police report, Ndubi died by suicide while in detention. The officer on duty allegedly discovered his body at around 12:46 p.m., stating that Ndubi had used his shirt, tied to the padlock on the inner door of the cell, to hang himself. The police maintained that the incident was a case of suicide.
However, the official version of events has been met with skepticism from both the deceased’s family and members of the public. The family disputes the suicide narrative, pointing to inconsistencies in the police account. They claim that Ndubi was found in a kneeling position, which they argue is unusual and inconsistent with a typical case of hanging.
This contradiction has fueled suspicions that foul play may have been involved, prompting calls for thorough investigations by oversight and investigative bodies. Local leaders have echoed these concerns, urging both the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to intervene and uncover the truth.
The area’s representative, Githioro Ward Member of County Assembly, has particularly challenged the police narrative, noting that the position in which Ndubi’s body was discovered raises serious questions. According to him, the explanation offered by police does not make logical sense, and the community deserves clarity on what truly happened.
As word of the incident spread, angry residents staged demonstrations in Kipipiri, calling for justice and accountability. Protesters chanted slogans and carried placards demanding an end to police brutality and more transparency in cases involving deaths in custody.
The tragedy has reignited debate around the treatment of suspects in police custody and the need for greater oversight of law enforcement agencies. As pressure mounts, the public continues to await the findings of any independent inquiry into the death of Simon Ndubi, hoping that justice will be served and that trust in policing can be restored.
