IPOA begins probe into death of man founding hanging at Narumoru police cell

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has announced the commencement of investigations following the death of Dennis Aremo Osiemo while in police custody.

The victim was scheduled to be arraigned in court on Monday, September 21 2026, but was found hanging from the ventilation grills inside the police cell on September 20, 2026.

In a press release dated September 23, 2026, IPOA said it had dispatched a team to the station as part of the investigation process to determine the circumstances surrounding the death.

Osiemo was arrested on assault charges related to an incident on 2 July 2026 when he allegedly assaulted and stabbed his former employer several times before fleeing the scene.

The matter was reported by the complainant, who was admitted at Tumutumu Hospital for nine days. However, she raised concerns over the handling of the matter with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) in Nanyuki, which directed that the matter be handed over to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

The case file was forwarded to the Sub-County Criminal Investigations Officer (SCCIO), who trailed Osiemo to Kisii, where he was allegedly hiding.

Masaba North, DCI officers from Kieni East, with the help of SCCIO arrested Osiemo in Kisii on 18 September 2026. He was booked at Keroka Police Station before being moved to Narumoru Police Station on 19 September 2026.

Osiemo was processed and his statement recorded, then he was returned to the cell after being observed to be in normal condition.

His body was moved to Narumoru Level 4 Hospital mortuary, awaiting post-mortem in the presence of IPOA and family members.

Osiemo’s death raised concerns on social media, with netizens questioning the circumstances leading to it.

IPOA has reaffirmed its commitment to investigating the matter promptly, conclusively and impartially.