The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched investigations into the death of a suspect in a police cell.
Vitalis Okinda allegedly died while in police custody at Bondo Police Station on January 11, 2022.
“In line with provisions of the IPOA Act Section 7 (a)(x), which dictates that deaths and injuries occasioned by actions of the police be investigated by the Authority, and Section 5 of the Sixth Schedule of the National Police Service Act which compels the police to report all deaths, serious injury and other grave consequences to the Authority for investigations, the Rapid Response Team was yesterday dispatched to Bondo with instructions to obtain all relevant information that may be relevant in unveiling the circumstances surrounding the incident,” read a statement by the authority.
The authority noted it remains committed to being independent, impartial and fair in conducting its mandate.
“On completion, where fault is found, the Authority shall not hesitate to make recommendations, including but not limited to prosecution,” red the statement.
Okinda was arrested on Saturday over what kins claimed as trumped up charges, but was not presented to court until Tuesday when his death was reported.
According to his brother Elijah Okinda, Vitalis went for a covid-19 jab in Bondo District Hospital where he had a light confrontation with a gate man concerning packing of his motorcycle.
The brother said that after taking the jab, Vitalis went outside the compound to take his motorcycle only to find it missing, on inquiry he was informed that his motorcycle has been taken by police officers. He went to the police to pick the bike, and was detained.
“On Sunday we were able to talk to him while in the police custody, police told us that he was being held for being in possession of bhang, resisting arrest, assault and other charges,” said the brother.