Probe as suspect is found dead in Malindi police cell after suspected suicide

A 25-year-old remand prisoner was found dead inside a police cell in Malindi, Kilifi County, in what authorities believe to be a suicide.

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority was called to join the probe into the incident.

They want to understand how the suspect died.

According to the police, the incident happened on April 17, 2026 and was discovered in the morning when officers taking over day duties from the night shift noticed that one inmate had died while in custody.

The deceased, identified as Lucky Odhiambo Okoth, was being held at the station under a 21-day court remand order for the offence of abduction, having been admitted into custody on April 15, 2026.

Police reports indicate that the prisoner allegedly used an improvised rope made from pieces of cloth to hang himself from a metal ventilation rod inside the cell.

He was reportedly alone in the room at the time of the incident, while 21 other detainees were being held in separate cells.

No suicide note was recovered, and the body was found with visible rope marks on the neck consistent with hanging.

The body was moved to Malindi Sub-County Hospital mortuary awaiting a postmortem examination as investigations into the incident continue.

Meanwhile, one person died and another sustained injuries following the collapse of an under-construction building in Athi River, Machakos County.

According to police, the incident occurred on the morning of April 17, 2026, at around 5:00 a.m. in Mutunguni area.

The building was still under construction when a wall beam reportedly gave way, causing the concrete roofing to collapse.

Two workers attempted to escape but were struck by falling debris.

The deceased, identified as Daniel Mukeka, 28, sustained severe injuries and was rushed to AthiChem Medical Centre, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

His body was later moved to Shalom Funeral Home pending a postmortem examination.

Another worker suffered injuries to his back and feet and was initially treated at the same facility before being referred to Machakos Level IV Hospital for further treatment.

Police officers, including detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), visited the scene and have launched investigations into the cause of the collapse.

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