IPOA Investigates Death of Dennis Aremo Osiemo in Police Custody

IPOA Raises Alarm Over Attacks on Police Officers in Kenya

UPDATE:

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has commenced investigations into the death of Dennis Aremo Osiemo, who died while in police custody at Narumoru Police Station in Kieni East Sub-County, Nyeri County.

Osiemo died on Sunday, September 20, 2026, after he was found hanging inside a police cell at the station.

Following the incident, IPOA dispatched a team to Narumoru Police Station to establish the circumstances surrounding his death.

The Authority said the body was removed and taken to the Narumoru Level 4 Hospital Mortuary, where it is awaiting a post-mortem examination to be conducted in the presence of IPOA investigators and family members.

“The Authority acknowledges the public concern over the incident and reaffirms its commitment to investigating the matter promptly, conclusively and impartially, and to establishing the full circumstances surrounding the death of Dennis Aremo Osiemo. Upon completion of the investigation, IPOA will give appropriate updates,” IPOA said.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) stated that Dennis Aremo Osiemo was in custody at Narumoru Police Station, saying he was found hanging from the ventilation grills inside a police cell on September 20, 2026.

DCI said the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has taken over investigations into the incident.

According to the DCI, Osiemo had been arrested in Kisii on September 18 after detectives traced him over an assault case reported at Narumoru Police Station.

He was later transferred to Narumoru Police Station on September 19, where he was processed, his statement was recorded, and he was scheduled to be arraigned in court on September 21.

The Complainant

The complainant was admitted to Tumutumu Hospital, where she remained for nine days. According to the DCI, concerns later raised with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) in Nanyuki prompted the prosecution office to direct that the matter be taken over by DCI detectives.

In addition, the case file was forwarded to the Sub-County Criminal Investigations Officer (SCCIO) Kieni East on September 3. Detectives later traced Osiemo to Kisii, where the DCI said he had gone into hiding.

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With the assistance of the SCCIO Masaba North, detectives arrested him in Kisii on September 18.

He was initially booked at Keroka Police Station before being transferred and booked at Narumoru Police Station on September 19.

IPOA Is Investigating

The DCI said Osiemo was processed, his statement was recorded, and he was returned to the cells after officers observed him to be in normal condition.

Additionally, he was expected to appear before court on September 21 in connection with the assault case.

The scene was processed immediately after his death in the presence of IPOA officers, senior police officers and a relative before the body was moved to Narumoru Mortuary pending a postmortem examination.

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The DCI said IPOA has since assumed responsibility for investigating the circumstances surrounding Osiemo’s death and pledged full cooperation with the independent inquiry.

Further, DCI also conveyed its condolences to Osiemo’s family and urged the public to await the outcome of the investigation rather than rely on unverified claims circulating on social media.

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