Probe as suspect dies by suicide in police cells at Nyeri police station

Officials from the Independent Policing Oversight Authority are investigating an incident where a defilement suspect was found dead after suspected suicide at the Nyeri police cells.

Police said the victim identified as Lawrence Wangai, 47 died in the cell’s bathroom on February 15, 2026 afternoon.

There were 14 suspects at the time of the incident. According to the police, the victim had requested to be escorted to the washroom to take a bath and later turned on the water tap which he left running continuously.

Out of curiosity, the duty officer called out to the victim to return to the cells but there was no response which prompted him to force his way into the bathroom.

It was then, according to the police, that the suspect was found dead after he had allegedly hanged himself using a jacket string that was tied on the toilet grills.

The scene was processed after officials from IPOA were informed and the body moved to the mortuary pending an autopsy.

Meanwhile, police in Githurai Mwiki, Kiambu County are investigating an incident where a 25-year-old man was found dead after an electrocution.

Police said Julius Gitau was repairing his television aerial at his rented balcony when he touched a live wire.

He was thrown out of the second floor balcony and fell on the road sustaining serious head injuries and burns on the hand and abdomen. He was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

A team of detectives visited the scene as part of the probe into the incident.

Officials blame illegal power connections and use of quacks in wiring for such deaths.

Cases of electrocution have been on the rise both in rural and urban areas amid efforts to address the trend.

And police in Karungu, Migori County are investigating an incident where nine cows were found with serious cuts on their tails after attacks.

The owner of the cows told police they were attacked by a neighbor over unclear reasons.

A veterinary officer attended to the animals as investigations continue following the Sunday incident.