IG Kanja Issues Fresh Directives on Deaths of Kenyans in Police Cells

The Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has issued fresh directives regarding the deaths of Kenyans in police stations, saying that officers who are on duty when a person dies will be interdicted.

Kanja has issued the directive amid growing concern over the number of deaths that take place in police stations in the presence of the police officers on duty.

The Inspector General said the police officers on duty will be interdicted to allow investigations into the matter to take place to determine the events leading to the death.

“Any death occurs in police cells, the officers on duty must be interdicted immediately following investigations of what happened,” said Kanja.

Deaths In Police Custody

He raised concerns about Kenyans dying in police stations and the criminal conduct of police officers, saying that they will not only face demotion but also legal consequences.

According to Kanja, this directive is to be applied any time a person dies while they are being held in police custody, regardless of the circumstances surrounding their death.

Also Read: Student Dies in Police Custody as Family Demands Answers

On the same note, the responsibility of police officers is to ensure that they safeguard the lives and rights of any person who is in their custody.

They are required to ensure that people in their custody receive appropriate care and are handled well according to the laws and procedures, as well as the Constitution of Kenya.

Accountability

Kanja’s directive is part of efforts to promote accountability within the police and to ensure justice for any Kenyan who dies in police custody.

Recent deaths of Kenyans in police custody have continued to attract public attention, with calls for investigations into the matter and accountability if similar accidents take place.

The directive from Kanja comes days after the death of Gedion Makau, who was found dead inside a cell at Kilungu Police Station in Makueni County.

Makau had been arrested on August 4, 2026, before he was later found dead while he was in police custody.

Also Read: Family Demands Answers After Businessman Dies in Police Cell Hours After Arrest

His family has disputed the police story that he died by suicide and has called for investigations into the circumstances surrounding his death.

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority has since joined the investigations into the incident.

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IG Douglas Kanja during a consultative meeting with the NPS on May 15. PHOTO/NPS