Mombasa police on spot over death of man while in custody

A family has alleged that their relative was beaten to death inside Changamwe Police Station last month.

The family have accused the police of trying to cover up the matter and want officers who arrested Caleb Otieno Espino on September 18 arrested and interrogated over his death. 

However, Mombasa County Police Commander Johnson Ipara and Haki Africa Executive Director Hussein Khalid say only an independent investigation can establish the truth.

Police claim the Caleb was arrested in a drunken stupour and collapsed inside the police station.

Yesterday Ipara said the matter is being investigated by Independent Policing Oversight Authority.

Khalid said: "The onus is on the State to ensure a fast and credible investigation because the victim died in police custody."

Caleb's body has been at Coast Provincial General Hospital mortuary since September 18.

Elisha Otieno, the deceased’s brother, said Caleb and three others were arrested in Mikindani.