Pressure is mounting on IPOA following the death of 24-year-old student in custody

Pressure is mounting on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) following the death of 24-year-old Brian Njung’e while in custody at Kiambu Police Station.

Human rights organisation VOCAL Africa has called for an immediate and thorough investigation into the incident, raising concerns over the circumstances surrounding the student’s death.

According to the lobby group, Brian was arrested in the Kirigiti area on May 21 under circumstances that remain unclear. His family says he later managed to contact his mother while inside the police cell before officers reportedly informed them hours later that he had allegedly taken his own life.

However, the family has strongly disputed the police account and is now demanding justice and accountability over his death.

The case has intensified public concern over the rising number of deaths occurring in police custody across Kenya. Human rights groups have repeatedly pointed to several recent incidents involving detainees who died shortly after arrest under disputed or controversial circumstances.

The latest incident is expected to increase pressure on IPOA and other authorities to address allegations of abuse, negligence, and lack of accountability within police detention facilities.