Makueni: Family seeks probe into fatal injuries man allegedly got in police custody

Moses Maingi, 28, is said to have succumbed to injuries he got after he was beaten by police when he was arrested on January 8, 2026, and locked up at Nunguni police station. 

Maingi was arrested after the owner of the Oasis bar reported him for disorder after he allegedly opened the door, releasing those who were drinking without paying.

The bar owner allegedly demanded Ksh.20,000 for damages, but the family was unable to raise the money. It took the intervention of a friend who spoke to the OCS to secure Maingi’s release on condition that he would report back to the station.

Julius Mwau, Maingi's elder brother, who went to pick him from the police station, claims he found him lying unconscious. 12 hours later, his young brother had not spoken or eaten. They took him to Kilungu sub-county hospital for treatment. 

Maingi was referred to Machakos Level Five Hospital, but the family opted for Kenyatta National Hospital.  They could not secure admission at KNH, hence opting for a private facility, where a head scan showed he had a blood clot on his head. 

At the hospital, Maingi was given medication and asked to report back after a few days. But on January 21, his condition worsened, and he was rushed to Kilungu sub-county hospital, where he succumbed to injuries. 

The family now wants answers on what happened when Maingi was locked at Nunguni police station and why the station declined to give his mother, Ruth Mwau, an occurrence book number.

They have called on responsible government agencies to conduct an investigation and ensure those who mishandled Maingi are brought to book.

Citizen Digital has established that the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has already launched investigations with several people recording statements. 

Kilungu subcounty police commander Patrick Muthengi has dismissed allegations that his officers assaulted Maingi, saying investigations and an autopsy of the body will reveal the truth about the death. 

Maingi’s body is lying at Kilungu sub-county hospital morgue awaiting postmortem.