The death of a 20-year-old boda boda operator following his release from Muthaiga Police Station has reignited public outrage over police brutality and accountability in Kenya.
Eric Otieno, a resident of Mathare, was arrested on Saturday, August 2, 2026, and detained at Muthaiga Police Station on charges of “preparing to commit a felony.” His family was called to pick him up at around 11 p.m. on Sunday. When they arrived, they found him already released but in visible agony. According to family members, Eric was wailing in pain and repeatedly told them, “wamenipiga tumbo. Wamenigongagonga kwa cell,” indicating that he had been physically assaulted while in custody.
He was rushed to Mama Margaret Uhuru Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. A subsequent autopsy revealed physical marks and signs of psychological trauma that matched his account of being beaten by police officers while detained.
The family has since called on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority to conduct a thorough and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. They have also urged the government to ensure that all officers involved are held accountable.
The incident has sparked protests at Muthaiga Police Station, with members of the public demanding answers. Demonstrators drew parallels between Eric’s death and the killing of blogger Albert Ojwang in 2025, who also died in police custody under disputed circumstances after allegedly being beaten by officers.
Starehe Sub-County Police Commander addressed the crowd, urging calm while assuring the public that investigations are underway. Nairobi police commander Issa Mohamud also confirmed that a formal inquiry has been launched.
Eric’s death adds to a long list of extrajudicial killings and custodial deaths that have plagued Kenya’s policing system for years. Human rights organizations have repeatedly called for systemic reforms, including better training for police officers, improved accountability mechanisms, and an end to the culture of impunity.
As the family mourns their loss, they have made a solemn plea to the government: “We want justice for Eric. No mother should lose her child to police brutality.” The call for an independent probe continues to gain momentum, with many Kenyans taking to social media to demand accountability and an end to the violence that has become synonymous with police custody.
Here is Eric Otieno photo
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