21-year-old man has allegedly died by suicide inside Kisumu Central Police Station cells, days after he was arrested during a botched robbery incident in Kisumu County.
The officer who was on duty said that he noticed that the suspect was missing during a roll call at 6am, prompting a search and after checking in the cell bathroom, they found his body.
The deceased was then taken to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital mortuary, where the post-mortem examination will be conducted.
The suspect was arrested on October 27 after opening fire on police officers along Otieno Oloo Street, causing traders and pedestrians to flee for safety.
Kisumu Commandant Bakari said that drama began when officers noticed the young man, in the company of two others, carrying a suspicious-looking bag.
But once the suspect noticed the officers, he is said to have drawn a gun from his bag and begun engaging officers in an exchange.
"This morning, we had an incident around the Patel Samaj Temple along Otieno Oyoo Street. One of the assailants had a bag that drew suspicion. Upon spotting the officers, he withdrew an assault rifle and started shooting at them,” Bakari said.
According to Bakari, the suspect stormed into the temple compound and held a security guard at gunpoint, robbed his phone and other belongings. Allegedly, he also tied the guard with a piece of cloth.
The suspect climbed the building and continued to fire at officers from inside the building as worshipers flee.
Officers later managed to subdue and arrest the suspect. They recovered an AK-47 rifle and five rounds of ammunition.
The suspect was treated at local hospital in Kisumu after being arrested and arraigned on Tuesday, October 28 2025.
Court ordered that he be remanded at Kisumu Central Police Station for 14 days pending further investigations.
Counsellors, medics, and psychologists recommend seeking help whenever you experience any mental health issue. Call the Kenya Red Cross toll-free hotline, 1199, for support.
