Outcry as Kiambu Polytechnic Student Dies in Police Cell Hours After Arrest

Brian Njung’e, a 24-year-old student at Kiambu National Polytechnic, has died while in police custody at Kiambu Police Station, sparking outrage and demands for answers from his family.

According to activist and CEO VOCAL Afrof ica Hussein Khalid, he was arrested on Thursday morning, May 21, in the Kirigiti area of Kiambu town and booked at Kiambu Police Station.

“24-year-old Brian Njung’e, a student at Kiambu National Polytechnic, was arrested yesterday, Thursday, 21st May morning in Kirigiti area of Kiambu town and booked at Kiambu Police Station,” stated Hussein Khalid.

Shortly after his arrest, Brian called his mother from the station at around 9 a.m., informing her that he was in custody.

Brian Njung’e Dies While in Kiambu Police Station

Following the call, the family, including his mother, rushed to the station to follow up on the matter and arrived shortly before noon.

However, after requesting to see him, they argued that the officers present told them to wait.

“The family, including the mother, rushed to the police station to follow up. They got there just before noon and requested to see Brian, but were asked to wait,” stated Hussein.

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Additionally, the family revealed that they were kept waiting for several hours before being called in around 2 p.m., where they received the devastating news.

Police reportedly informed the family that Brian had died inside the cells, allegedly by suicide, and his clothes had blood stains from nose bleeding.

Authorities claimed that he was alone in the cell at the time, as other cellmates had been taken to court.

Family Demands Justice After Death of Son in Police Custody

Meanwhile, the family has rejected the explanation provided by the police, insisting that the circumstances surrounding his death do not add up.

They are now demanding a full investigation and accountability over what they describe as a suspicious death in custody.

This incident has sparked strong reactions from Kenyans online, with many questioning police conduct and the safety of suspects in custody.

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Kenyans questioned claims that Brian was alone in the cells, arguing that it is uncommon for detainees to be held in isolation in male cells at police stations.

Others expressed fear and mistrust, saying arrests by police have increasingly become associated with loss of life rather than due process.

Further, they also alleged a growing pattern of excessive force and misconduct within the police service, comparing the situation to criminals operating freely on the streets.

“In Kenya, one is more likely to be killed by a police officer than a criminal roaming the streets,” stated James Owuoda on X.

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Police vehicle . Photo/ file