Family Rejects Autopsy Findings After Man Dies in Makueni Police Custody
The family of 44-year-old Gedion Makau has rejected the findings of a post-mortem examination that established he died from asphyxia caused by neck compression after being found dead in a cell at Kilungu Police Station, Makueni County.
The findings, released on Thursday, August 13, have intensified questions surrounding Makau’s final hours in police custody and deepened a dispute between his relatives and the initial account given by police.
Makau was arrested on Tuesday, August 11, at Nunguni Shopping Centre over allegations that he was in possession of a machete before being taken to Kilungu Police Station.
His relatives were informed of his death the following day. Police reportedly told the family that Makau had used his trousers to strangle himself while inside the cell.
However, the post-mortem examination indicated that the cause of death was asphyxia resulting from compression of the neck, prompting the family to challenge the circumstances surrounding his death.
Makau’s mother, Teressia Mbandi, said the findings did not answer the central question of who applied pressure to her son’s neck.
“I refuse the findings. When we found him at the station, his trousers were loosely placed around his neck. How do we know who strangled him? How do we know if it was him or if it was the officers who did it?”
The family has maintained that it wants a full explanation of what happened inside the police station before Makau was found dead.
His wife, Pauline Gideon, also questioned why relatives were not allowed to inspect the location where police said Makau had attempted to hang himself.
“His mother went and asked, ‘Why don’t you show us the place where you claim he hanged himself?’ but they refused. Now, I have no faith in this government.”
The family has consequently called for greater scrutiny of the officers who were on duty at Kilungu Police Station when Makau died.
IPOA investigates death
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has taken up the case and is investigating the circumstances surrounding Makau’s death.
The investigation is expected to examine the events leading to his arrest, his treatment while in custody, the condition of the cell and the actions of officers responsible for monitoring detainees.
The development comes amid renewed scrutiny of deaths involving people held in police custody.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja on Wednesday, August 12, directed that the Occurrence Book recorder, cell sentry and duty officer should be immediately interdicted whenever a suspect dies in police custody, pending investigations.
The National Police Service subsequently said investigations into any death occurring in police custody should begin without delay and should be conducted impartially, with officers found culpable facing disciplinary and legal action.
Kanja’s directive has added significance to the Makau case because it places renewed focus on the officers responsible for recording custody events and supervising detainees at police stations.
The family is demanding that officers attached to Kilungu Police Station be removed from duty while investigations continue. Relatives have also indicated that they will not release Makau’s remains for burial until they are satisfied that the circumstances surrounding his death have been properly addressed.
For now, the autopsy has established the medical cause of death, but it has not publicly determined who caused the neck compression. That question remains at the centre of the investigation, with IPOA expected to establish what happened during Makau’s time in custody.
No finding of criminal responsibility has been made against any police officer in connection with Makau’s death, and the allegations raised by his family remain subject to investigation.
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