Family demands justice over kin who died in police cell

A family of a 40-year-old son who died in a police cell in Homa Bay County is demanding justice.

Timon Otieno died on Friday inside the cell of Othoro Police Station in Rachuonyo East Sub-county after his arrest for vandalising security lights at Wang’apala Secondary School.

His father, John Ogwan’g, said Otieno was found dead inside the cell on Friday.

“I went to the police station to find out why my son was arrested but was kept waiting at the police station for a long time only to be told later that he had died,” Ogwang’ said.

Ogwang’ said police officers told him that Otieno had committed suicide. However, he doubted the information because his son’s body had injuries, showing he might have died of assault.

“I was shocked to be told that my son had committed suicide. I am skeptical of the circumstances of his death. I call on the government to accord my family justice over this death,” Ogwang said.

Harun Otieno, Otieno's brother, doubted the narrative of his brother’s suicide. He said the injuries on Otieno'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 to us as a family that he committed suicide. We appeal for justice,” said the brother.

Dominic Otieno, another brother of the deceased, said the death had saddened their family, which had hoped that Timon would return home after going through the criminal justice system.

“We expected him to be 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 Directorate of Criminal Investigations officers were investigating the case.

Koilem said action would be taken if DCI officers unearth any crime of commission or omission.

“The DCI is probing the matter to reveal the circumstances of the death. This will enable us to take appropriate legal action,” Koilem said.

His body is at Jawabu Funeral Home.