The death of 20-year-old boda boda rider Eric Otieno has sparked fresh concern and renewed calls for accountability after he reportedly died shortly after being released from police custody at Muthaiga Police Station.
His family is now demanding answers about what happened during the time he was being held at the station.
According to information shared by the family and widely circulated online, Eric was arrested on the night of August 2, 2026, on allegations of preparing to commit a felony.
He was then detained at Muthaiga Police Station before being released at around 11 p.m. the following night.
His relatives say that when he was released, he was in severe pain and unable to walk properly. They rushed him to Mama Margaret Uhuru Hospital for treatment, but doctors reportedly pronounced him dead on arrival.
The family claims that Eric told them he had been assaulted while in police custody before his condition worsened. They also allege that an autopsy later found physical injuries that were consistent with his claims.
However, these allegations have not been independently verified and remain part of the investigations that authorities are expected to carry out.
News of Eric’s death quickly spread, triggering anger among residents and young people. Reports indicate that several people gathered outside Muthaiga Police Station to demand justice and accountability.
Protesters called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his arrest, detention and eventual death.
The incident has also drawn comparisons to the 2025 death of blogger Albert Ojwang, whose death while in police custody led to widespread public outrage and renewed debate over police conduct.
Many Kenyans on social media have questioned why similar incidents continue to be reported despite repeated promises to reform the National Police Service.
Eric’s family has appealed to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to carry out an independent investigation into the case.
They want investigators to establish what happened while he was in custody and determine whether any laws or procedures were violated.
Human rights groups have also continued to stress that every person held in police custody has constitutional rights, including the right to life, dignity and protection from torture or any cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.
They argue that every death linked to police custody must be investigated openly and independently to ensure justice is served.
Kenyans are now waiting for police authorities and IPOA to establish the facts surrounding Eric Otieno’s death and determine whether any officers will be held accountable if wrongdoing is found.