A family in Makueni is demanding answers over the death of Gedion Makau, who died while in police custody at Kilungu Police Station. The relatives have rejected claims that Makau took his own life and are calling for an independent investigation into what happened.
Makau was arrested last Tuesday at his business premises in Nunguni Shopping Centre. Police reportedly arrested him over allegations that he was in possession of a machete. He was then taken to Kilungu Police Station, where he remained in custody.
His family only learnt of his death the following morning. Relatives said they were not informed directly by the police. Instead, they reportedly discovered what had happened after a friend saw Makau’s body being taken to a morgue.
The family later received an explanation from the police that Makau had allegedly strangled himself using his trousers while in custody. However, his mother, Teressia Mbandi, has questioned this account.
Mbandi said the trousers were loose and that she did not see signs of strangulation on her son’s neck. She therefore wants authorities to establish exactly how Makau died and whether there were any circumstances surrounding his death that have not yet been explained.
The death has raised concerns among the family, who say they want clear answers rather than assumptions about what happened inside the police station. They are also calling for the investigation to be handled independently so that the circumstances of Makau’s death can be established without interference.
Makau’s body is currently being held at Kilungu Sub-County Mortuary. A postmortem examination is expected to determine the cause of death and may provide more information about the circumstances surrounding his death.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has taken over investigations into the case. The agency is expected to examine the events leading to Makau’s death, including his arrest, detention and the account given by police.
For the family, the postmortem and ongoing investigations are expected to provide answers to the questions surrounding Makau’s final hours.
Until the findings are released, his relatives continue to dispute the claim that he died by suicide and are asking authorities to establish the truth.
