MP Millie Odhiambo questions rising cases of deaths in police cells

Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo has raised concerns about the rising cases of deaths in police custody.

In a statement on Facebook, the MP noted that it was appalling that more deaths in police cells have been reported, yet the mystery surrounding the murder of blogger Albert Ojwang, who died at Central Police Station, is yet to be unravelled.

Millie was reacting to the death of a fisherman identified as Calvince Omondi Onditi, who was found dead in a police cell at the Kipasi Police Post in Suba North Constituency, Homabay County.

“These deaths in police cells cannot go on, Albert Ojwang's case is not solved, the latest case is now Onditi from Ndhuru, in my constituency,” Odhiambo said.

“Yet another death in Homabay County, then they are giving the story of suicide yet again."

Onditi’s death came hours after he was arrested over allegations of bestiality, police said.

Onditi was apprehended by the area chief at around 3 a.m. on Sunday, June 15, after reportedly being found in a goat pen in a homestead near Ndhuru Trading Centre.

He was later handed over to police at Kipasi for further processing.

Homa Bay County Police Commander Lawrence Koilim said the suspect, a resident of Ndhiwa Constituency and a fisherman at Ndhuru Beach, was discovered hanging from the roof of the cell using a trouser.

The incident occurred as officers were preparing to transfer him to Mbita Police Station for further interrogation.

Koilim confirmed that detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and officers from the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) had since visited the scene and launched an investigation into the death.

The body was moved to the Homa Bay County Referral Hospital morgue after family members were notified.

The family has called on the government to expedite investigations to establish the truth and ensure accountability.

Leaders and Kenyans have been vocal in condemning the deaths happening in police custody.