Questions as another man dies in police custody in Bondo

A jail cell. [Courtesy]

Tension is high in Nyamonye area, Usigu sub-county after a man was found dead in a police cell under unclear circumstances, sparking outrage and fresh calls for police accountability.

Boniface Omondi, 34, had been arrested by police officers from Nyamonye police post following an alleged domestic dispute with his wife on Sunday. 

Sources indicate that the suspect may have been assaulted by the officers during his arrest.

He was allegedly found dead in the cell on Monday morning.

The incident comes barely a week after the burial of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang’, another case that had raised concerns over alleged police excesses.

Area residents have condemned the incident, demanding an immediate investigation.

“This is a tragic and unacceptable loss of life. No one should die in police custody,” said a resident, calling for independent oversight by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).

The body was removed to Bondo sub-county hospital mortuary.

According to Bondo DCIO Reuben Onchoka, the deceased allegedly died by suicide after he was booked on Sunday evening.

"He was booked in the cell alone, and the officers at the police post found his lifeless body hanging on a window grill after he reportedly committed suicide using his vest," said Onchoka.