Mystery deepens as post-mortem reveals what killed Solai man who died in police custody

A post-mortem examination has revealed that Erick Kiptanui Koros died from a lack of oxygen caused by 'a sliding fabric noose neck compression', adding to the mystery surrounding his death in a cell at the Solai police station in Nakuru County.

Koros, a father of five, had been arrested on October 7, for a Sh8,000 debt owed to a business partner. According to his wife, Brenda Koros, police officers accompanied by the area chief later visited their home around 8pm and asked her to accompany them to the station without explanation.

“At the station, I was told my husband had hanged himself using a duvet strap,” she said. 'He was fine when he left home. He told me not to worry and said that he would handle the matter and return later. We were shocked to learn that he was dead.”

Although the post-mortem report and findings from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) suggest that Koros died by hanging, his family insists that foul play was involved and wants the matter thoroughly investigated.

“He loved his family and was a peaceful man who took pride in his work,” said Benson Chirchir, a relative. ‘We don’t believe the story being told. We want justice and the truth about what really happened to him.'

Human rights activist David Kuria has called for an independent probe, stating that cases of people dying in police custody are becoming alarmingly common.

“I’m urging the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to investigate this case fully so the family can get justice,” he said.

Rongai Sub-County Criminal Investigation Officer Donatta Atieno confirmed that the incident is under investigation and that the file will be forwarded to the IPOA for review.

Koros’s death has reignited public concern over alleged misconduct in police cells, with families across the country continuing to demand accountability for deaths in custody.