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Nyandarua Senator John Methu has called for a parliamentary inquiry into the death of Simon Warui, 26, who died at Mombasa's Central Police Station, raising questions about police accountability and the circumstances of his detention.
Nyandarua Senator John Methu has urged the National Assembly’s Security, Defence, and Foreign Relations Committee to investigate the death of Simon Warui, 26, who reportedly died while in custody at the Central Police Station in Mombasa. The senator raised the matter in the Senate on Thursday, October 2, 2025, describing the incident as a critical national concern demanding immediate accountability from authorities.
Warui was reported missing on September 14, 2025, from the Umoja Area in Nairobi before being located in police custody. Police claim Warui died after falling while attempting to climb a cell wall, a narrative Senator Methu has publicly disputed.
Senator Methu has specifically requested the committee to clarify several points: “The committee should address the following: number one, the circumstances surrounding Mr Warui’s arrest, detention and death, including the timeline and actions taken by the police officers at the central police station in Mombasa.”
The incident has ignited public debate, with stakeholders pressing for transparency regarding the timeline of events, potential costs associated with the investigation, and safeguards to prevent similar occurrences. Analysts suggest this development could significantly influence public discourse and policy implementation concerning police conduct and accountability.
Kenya's National Police Service Act and the Constitution outline strict guidelines for the arrest, detention, and treatment of suspects. These frameworks emphasize the right to life, human dignity, and protection from cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment. Any death in police custody triggers an automatic internal investigation, and depending on the findings, can lead to further inquiries by independent bodies such as the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).
Human rights organizations have consistently advocated for greater transparency and accountability within the National Police Service. The death of individuals in police custody often draws sharp criticism and calls for systemic reforms to address issues of police brutality and due process. Families of victims frequently express frustration over perceived delays in justice and a lack of clear communication from authorities.
The controversy surrounding Warui's death poses significant risks to public trust in law enforcement. A perceived lack of transparency or accountability could further erode confidence in the National Police Service and potentially fuel public unrest. For the government, a thorough and impartial investigation is crucial to demonstrate its commitment to human rights and the rule of law. Failure to address these concerns effectively could have long-term implications for police-community relations and Kenya's human rights record.
The National Assembly’s Security, Defence, and Foreign Relations Committee's response and the progress of its investigation will be critical. Public attention will also focus on the findings of any independent investigations, particularly from IPOA, and the actions taken by the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Past cases of deaths in police custody in Kenya and ongoing efforts by human rights organizations to advocate for police reform.
