20 Kenyans died in police custody in eight months, rights groups raise alarm

At least 20 Kenyans have died in police custody in the last year, according to reports published by two human rights organisations, the Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU) and VOCAL Africa.

The revelations come just a day after Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja ordered police station commanders to be held accountable whenever a death occurs in their custody.

IMLU documented 20 deaths in police custody in 2026, with victims aged between 25 and 64, including an infant who was in custody with the mother. The infant died at Mamba Police Post under Matuu Police Station.

“Last year IMLU documented 20 cases of death in detention and that was for the whole year, January to December 2025. Now, from January to August 2026, we have reported 20 cases. That shows you that there's a serious concern and there's an increase because we still have several months to go before the end of the year,” said IMLU Executive Director Grace Wangeci.

Post-mortem examinations show that 8 were hanged, 5 were beaten to death, suffering fatal head injuries, and 5 died from untreated medical conditions that were neglected while in custody

Another human rights organisation, VOCAL Africa, says the situation is even worse, reporting 22 deaths in police custody and more than 70 people shot by police this year, including 20 people killed during protests over fuel prices.

Behind every statistic is a grieving family left demanding answers and justice.

“Five died from underlying medical conditions, meaning that had somebody taken or had the duty of care, they should have access to medical attention and treatment,” said Wangeci.

Both organisations have welcomed Inspector General Douglas Kanja's directive that officers must “carry the cross” when suspects die in police custody.

“The OB recorder, the cell sentry, and the duty officers, those officers must be interdicted immediately. Investigations of whatever happened—let every commander, every line, get to account for the officers at all times. You must account for the equipment that is held by your officers for the discharge of their duty,” said Kanja.

But the rights groups insist that words must now be followed by action. VOCAL Africa is demanding CCTV cameras in every police station cell, independent investigations into every death, and prosecution of officers implicated in killings.

IMLU is calling for the implementation of the Inquests Act and direct accountability for station commanders.

“In fact, we have been pushing and calling for accountability, and especially for command accountability. And I am excited that the Inspector General has actually emphasized that commanders themselves, or the people responsible, the command responsibility chain, will be taken into account,” added Wangeci.

IMLU has already assisted with 18 post-mortem examinations and provided psychosocial support to 13 families, while VOCAL Africa warns that IPOA must “step up” and deliver swift, transparent investigations.