A family in Homa Bay County has called for thorough investigations into the mysterious death of their son in a police cell.
The deceased, identified as Timon Otieno, 40, allegedly died while being held at Othoro Police Station in Rachuonyo East Sub-County.
His father John Ogwang said Timon was arrested at Wang’apala village, in Rachuonyo East Sub-County and accused of vandalizing security lights at Wang’apala Secondary School.
However, the following morning after the arrest, Timon was found dead in the police cell.
“I went to the police station to visit my son but unfortunately, I was informed that he had died,” said Ogwang’.
He said police officers told him that Timon had committed suicide. However, he doubted the information because his son’s body had injuries inconsistent with suicide.
“I was shocked to be told that my son had committed suicide. I am not convinced about that narrative. I call on the government to thoroughly investigate this incident,” said Ogwang.
Harun Otieno, Timon’s brother also said the injuries on Timon’s body and the narrative of suicide were not adding up.
“My brother had injuries on the chest and legs. It does not make sense for us as a family that he committed suicide. We appeal for justice,” Harun said.
Another brother to the deceased, Dominic Ogwang’ said the death had thrown the family into mourning. “We expected him back home after going through the criminal justice system. But it is sad to hear that he died mysteriously in the cell,” he said.
Homa Bay County Police Commander Lawrence Koilem said the matter had been handed over to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations officers for investigations and that an appropriate legal action would be taken upon findings of the DCI officers.
“The DCI is probing the matter to reveal circumstances of the death. This will enable us to take appropriate legal action,” Koilem said.
By Davis Langat
