Suspect dies by suicide at Tangakona police post cells, Busia County
File Image of a Police Car
Teams are investigating an incident where a suspect was found dead in a police cell after suspected suicide at the Tangakona police post cells, Busia County.
The incident happened on September 30, 2025 in the afternoon and the victim was identified as Moses Barasa, 24.
He had been arrested over complaints of stealing six bags of dry maize and detained at the station for processing.
As the police officers at the report office were busy recording his details, he slipped off and escaped dramatically.
An alarm was raised and locals joined in chasing him for a short while. He was later captured by locals who beat him up before police arrived and rescued him.
The officers took him to Tangakona police post cells where he allegedly hanged himself.
His body was found hanging on a widow grill with a shirt tied around his neck, police said.
The body was moved to the mortuary pending an autopsy and other investigations.
Police said they had informed the Independent Policing Oversight Authority to join the probe.
On September 26, 2025, a suspect died while in police custody at the Komwamu police post, Isebania, Migori County.
Police said the suspect died by suicide.
Police said they had booked Allan Kamau Kimani, 41 for malicious damage to property as complained by a relative.
He was detained alone at the Komwamu police post cells where he was found hanging on a window grill with a shirt tied around his neck.
Police claim he used his shirt to hang himself. The motive of the incident is yet to be known.
Senior police officers visited the scene and confirmed he was being held at the post pending transfer to Isebania when the incident happened.
Similar incidents were in September reported in Mombasa and Kitale police commands prompting an investigation.
They are under investigation, officials said.