Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has ordered the immediate interdiction of officers in charge whenever a detainee dies while in police custody.

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Kanja identified the Occurrence Book recording officer, cell sentry, and duty officer as those who should face interdiction pending investigations into the circumstances of a detainee’s death.

The directive was issued on Wednesday, August 12, during a sensitisation forum on new Service Standing Orders and police reforms at the National Police Leadership Academy in Ngong.

“And I want to make it very clear that in the case of any death occurring in police cells, the OB recorder, cell sentry, and duty officer must be interdicted immediately, pending investigation of whatever happened. That is something that you, as the commanders on the ground, must ensure happens,” the IG stated.

📌 What You Need to Know

The meeting brought together regional police commanders who were tasked with ensuring the directive was implemented at stations under their command.

Kanja said deaths occurring inside police cells were a serious concern that required commanders to take action.

He said the interdictions would allow investigations to establish what happened before any further disciplinary or legal measures are considered.

Besides interdiction, the IG warned that officers found culpable could face measures including demotion and legal proceedings.

Kanja’s directive comes amid renewed concerns over deaths involving people held in police custody and calls for accountability from the National Police Service (NPS).

Just last week in Makueni, Gedion Makau was found dead in a cell at Kilungu Police Station after being arrested on August 4.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke