The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has raised concerns over the mysterious death of a Kenyan man, Simon Warui, who died while in police custody at the Central Police Station in Mombasa.
In a statement on Monday, LSK President Faith Odhiambo confirmed that the society had appointed an advocate to act on behalf of Warui’s family. The lawyer will monitor the investigations, ensuring the circumstances surrounding the death are uncovered and all those responsible are held accountable.
According to the family, Warui went missing on Sunday at around 10am, and the disappearance was reported at Embakasi Police Station. However, hours later, he was discovered dead inside a police station cell in Mombasa under unclear circumstances.
The LSK boss noted that the society was working with civil society partners and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) to push for an independent, speedy, and conclusive investigation. He emphasised that society would not allow the matter to be swept under the carpet.
''The Law Society of Kenya is closely following up on the case of Mr Simon Warui, who died while in police custody at Central Police Station, Mombasa. We have appointed an Advocate to act on behalf of the family in monitoring the investigations and ensuring that the full truth and circumstances leading to Warui’s death are uncovered, and the persons involved are held to account,'' read part of Odhiambo's statement.
Odhiambo also commended the Mombasa branch of the Law Society, led by its chairperson, for supporting Warui’s family and making progress in seeking justice.
The case has reignited debate about accountability within police stations, despite repeated assurances from the government. Human rights groups continue to warn that deaths in custody remain a serious and unresolved concern in Kenya.
In August this year, 33-year-old Raymond Nachibati died in police custody in Kakamega County only hours after his arrest.
Nachibati had reportedly been arrested on the afternoon of August 9, 2025, alongside two other individuals following an alleged altercation. His body was later discovered inside a cell at Budonga Police Post, raising fresh questions about how he met his death so soon after being detained.
Just a month earlier, the nation was confronted with another disturbing case that sparked public protests. Albert Ojwang, a 31-year-old teacher and blogger, was arrested in Homa Bay after allegedly criticising Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat online.
While police claimed he died after hitting his head against a cell wall, an autopsy revealed severe head injuries that experts concluded were unlikely to have been self-inflicted. Reports later indicated that Ojwang died inside a cell at Central Police Station in Nairobi.
Meanwhile, in Homa Bay County, police launched investigations into the death of 36-year-old Calvince Omondi Onditi, who died under unclear circumstances at Kipasi Police Post in Mbita. Omondi was arrested around midnight on June 15 and reportedly died by suicide in the cell just hours later.
