Kanjama said circumstances surrounding Otieno’s death demanded urgent, decisive action

By Cantona Joseph August 05, 2026 14:49 (EAT)

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The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has called for a thorough investigation into the death of Mathare boda boda rider Eric Otieno, who allegedly sustained severe injuries while in police custody at Muthaiga Police Station.

LSK President Charles Kanjama said the circumstances surrounding Otieno’s death demanded urgent and decisive action by independent oversight and investigative agencies.

Kanjama said the Internal Affairs Unit of the Kenya Police Service, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) should move swiftly to establish what happened to Otieno while he was in police custody.

“The tragedy involving unlawful killing of Eric Otieno at Muthaiga Police Station deserves strong and forceful steps both by Internal Affairs Unit of the Kenya Police, by IPOA and KNCHR,” Kanjama said.

He called on the relevant agencies to secure evidence and ensure that all those who may have been involved are held accountable.

“We expect to see clear steps to secure the scene, the suspects and the exhibits. Let the relevant agencies give a clear statement on the matter,” he said.

Kanjama also conveyed condolences to Otieno’s family and pledged LSK’s support in efforts to secure justice.

“Condolences to the family of Eric. LSK will assist where we can to secure justice for Eric,” he said.

Otieno, a boda boda rider from Mathare, died hours after being released from Muthaiga Police Station, where he had been held following his arrest.

According to his family, relatives were called to collect him after his release and found him in severe pain.

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Otieno allegedly told family members that five police officers who arrested him had assaulted him while he was in custody.

He reportedly complained of pain in his ribs before being taken to hospital, where he died while receiving treatment.

A post-mortem examination later established that Otieno had suffered massive internal haemorrhage caused by abdominal trauma, including a ruptured spleen.

The examination also reportedly showed multiple injuries consistent with the use of a blunt object.

Otieno was allegedly arrested on August 1, 2026, on suspicion of preparation to commit a felony. His family said he had been arrested along Thika Road.

He was subsequently held at Muthaiga Police Station before being released, with police saying he had been granted cash bail.

Police authorities said Otieno was released on August 2, but his family gave a different account of the timeline, saying they were called to collect him and later rushed him to hospital after finding him in distress.

The incident sparked protests outside Muthaiga Police Station, with members of the public demanding answers over Otieno’s death and calling for accountability.

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Demonstrators gathered outside the station as anger grew over allegations that Otieno had been assaulted while in police custody.

The protesters were addressed by the Starehe Sub-County Police Commander, who appealed for calm and urged the public to allow investigations to proceed.