Drama as Makueni family disputes autopsy report of man who died in police custody

Makau was reportedly found dead while in custody at Kilungu Police Station, with police initially indicating that he had taken his own life.

However, a post-mortem examination established that he died from asphyxia caused by neck compression, raising questions over the circumstances surrounding his death.

The findings have deepened the family's suspicions, with relatives accusing police of foul play and an alleged attempt to cover up what they believe was a killing in custody.

"Walianza na kutuambia kila kitu iko sawa ni yeye alijinyonga na trouser yake. Kwa nini tukifika hapa, trouser iko loose, sasa alijinyonga aje?" Teresia Mbadi, mother to the deceased, said.

"Ndiyo tumeona amejinyonga ni sawa, lakini sisi kama familia tutajua ukweli namna gani ni kunyongwa amenyongwa ama alijinyonga?" the cousin to the deceased, Christopher Kathuku added.

The wife to the deceased, Pauline Gideon, on her part said, "Mama yetu alienda akauliza si mtuonyeshe pahali basi mnasema alijitia kitanzi, wakakataa. Sasa mimi sina imani na hii serikali."

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority, IPOA, says it will conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Makau's death and ensure justice is served.

The family, however, says it will not bury his remains until the circumstances surrounding his death are established and justice has run its course.

"Nimekataa wakuje wachukue hatazikwa kwangu. Hiyo compound iko na title yangu, sio ya court ama mtu yeyote. So wakuje wachukue mwili wazike huko mahali wanajua,” Teresia stated.

Makau was arrested on Tuesday over allegations of possessing a machete. His family was informed of his death the following day, with police reporting that he had allegedly taken his own life while in custody.

The family is now calling for a thorough investigation into his death as IPOA moves to establish what happened while he was in police custody.