MIGORI, Kenya – The death of a 40-year-old man while in police custody in Migori County has sparked allegations of bribery and demands for a thorough investigation, highlighting ongoing concerns about deaths in Kenyan police cells.
Alan Kamau Kimani, a resident of Kuria West Sub-County, was arrested on Thursday, September 25, 2025, for allegedly cutting trees in violation of the Forests Act. He was taken to the Komomwamu Police Post, where he died the following day.
According to his mother, Mary Wambui, the circumstances surrounding her son’s death are deeply suspicious. Wambui alleges that after being informed of the arrest, officers at the police post demanded a KSh 15,000 bribe for his release—a sum she could not afford. She claims that on Friday, September 26, an officer called and threatened her with “dire consequences” if she did not produce the money. Hours later, the same officer called to inform her that her son was dead.
Police have stated that Kimani died by suicide, claiming he hanged himself alone in his cell. However, these claims have been met with skepticism and have raised tensions in the local community.
The family, supported by the organization NVO CAL Africa (also referenced as @VOCALAfrica_ online), is calling for the immediate arrest of the officers involved. They have also appealed to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to launch an investigation into the matter.
The case has drawn attention to a persistent pattern of custody deaths in Kenya, with reports indicating over 100 such incidents since 2012. The hashtag #JusticeForAlanKamauKimani is being used online to rally support for the family’s quest for accountability.
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