Matiang'i addresses the issue of deaths of people in police custody

Interior CS Fred Matiang'i has shown commitment in addressing the issue of deaths of people in police custody. 

After an uproar over three unexplained deaths at Rioma Police Station, the CS has taken charge of investigations on the matter. 

Towards the end of 2020, a person died while in custody at the police station and two weeks ago two people in custody died there mysteriously. 

Matiang'i was speaking during the opening of the Inspector General Conference on Monday, July 5 where he vowed that after investigations are concluded, all officers found culpable would face the full force of the law. 

He stated, "I asked the Inspector General of Police last week to send the internal affairs team to a police station called Rioma where two people were killed. I have seen a report from the Inspector General about what is going on there and I want to commit to the public that we will take decisions in the direction that investigations are going to show us." 

"If there are any officers involved in making mistakes, they will, of course, face the full force of the law because we are here to ensure that we provide services to the people," added Matiang'i.

Reportedly, one of the people who recently died at Rioma Police Station, Justus Nyangeso, complained of head and stomach pains but his complaints fell on deaf ears, his family confirmed. 

The mysterious death of the other person at the station in the same week prompted a protest from Kisii residents.

In July 2020, the controversial police station was torched over the death of a local businessman.

The protesters claimed that police officer stationed in the area shot and killed the businessman after they got into an argument over the use of a hand sanitizer.

Matiang'i added that he will ensure that mental issues in the police service are addressed accordingly.