Malindi: Outcry as kidnapping suspect dies in police cell in alleged suicide

Police in Malindi are investigating the death of a 25-year-old suspect who allegedly died by suicide while in custody at Malindi Police Station.

Confirming the incident, area Police Commander Moses Kosgei said investigations have been launched to establish the circumstances under which the suspect died in the cell.

The development has, however, sparked concern among human rights groups, who are questioning how the incident occurred.

Activists led by Walid Sketty have called on authorities to explain how a detainee could take his own life while in custody, raising suspicion over possible foul play.

They further urged the deceased’s family to come forward in pursuit of justice, with Victor Kaudo also weighing in on the matter.

The deceased was a key suspect in an abduction case reported earlier this week involving a 17-year-old girl in Malindi sub-county.

Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) had arrested the suspect, identified as Lucky Okoth, following a multi-agency operation led by officers from the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau and Malindi sub-county on Tuesday.

According to the DCI, the minor had been reported missing on April 12, 2026, by her father, a senior officer at GK Prison Malindi.

Investigators established that before her disappearance, the girl had been communicating with unknown individuals using two mobile phone numbers.

“What began as a missing person report quickly escalated into a confirmed abduction case after the suspect, later identified as Lucky Okoth, contacted the family demanding a ransom of Ksh.200,000 while issuing threats to harm the victim. The suspect even allowed the girl to speak directly with her parent, confirming she was in captivity,” the DCI said.

Detectives later traced the suspect to the Muyeye area in Malindi town, where he was arrested.

The girl was rescued during the operation and reunited with her family before being taken to hospital for medical examination.

Police say investigations are ongoing into both the abduction case and the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s death in custody.