Lead image for Dead behind bars: 22 die in police custody as pressure mounts for accountability.
At least 22 people have died in police custody this year, according to human rights organisations.
This is amid fresh pressure on the National Police Service to act on Inspector-General Douglas Kanja’s directive holding officers personally accountable for deaths in detention.
Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU) reported documenting 20 deaths in police custody this year, while Vocal Africa, another human rights organisation, reported documenting at least 22 since the year began.
IMLU said its forensic work on 18 of the 20 cases showed that eight victims died from suffocation caused by hanging or neck compression, while five died from severe physical violence and blunt-force trauma.
Five others died from underlying medical conditions that IMLU said deteriorated because of neglect, poor detention conditions and lack of timely medical care.
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IMLU said the directive was an important step towards ending impunity and restoring public confidence in the police.
“The decision marks a necessary and firm step towards curtailing custodial impunity, restoring public trust, and upholding the fundamental constitutional rights to life, human dignity, and protection from cruel or degrading treatment while in state custody,” the organisation said in a statement on Friday.