Prison wardens on DCI radar over death of a convict

Ten prison wardens and 25 inmates are being investigated following the death of a convict at Murang’a GK Prison.

Joseph Wanyoike died on February 8, two days after he was convicted to serve 20 years for the murder of Henry Wachira at Kora market in Mathioya Sub-county three years ago. 

He was convicted alongside Police Constable Alex Odhiambo Omondi.

A post-mortem report indicated the cause of death as strangulation, but prison authorities claimed Wanyoike suffered withdrawal symptoms as he was addicted to alcohol, a version his relatives disputed.

A warden reported at Murang’a Police Station that Wanyoike died while receiving treatment at the prison’s dispensary.

But detectives have ruled out claims that Wanyoike was ill.

“The postmortem report is clear that he died as a result of strangulation. The investigators will establish the motive, and after completion of investigations the files will be forwarded to Directorate of Public Prosecutions for advice,” said Murang’a County Police Commander Josphat Kinyua.

Wanyoike was buried on Tuesday in Ruiru, Kiambu County, where his family called for justice. “The brutality at the correctional facility must come to an end,” said a relative.