A police boss from Kisumu has blamed a family after it emerged that their kin reportedly collapsed and died days after sustaining injuries from police beating for not wearing a face mask.
According to a report by The Standard on Wednesday, August 18, the man, identified as Maurice Ochieng, collapsed at his workshop in Maseno and was pronounced dead upon arrival the hospital.
Speaking to the press, Ochieng's wife Sela Akinyi, disclosed that the family believed her husband succumbed to injuries he sustained from the beatings.
Ochieng had been arrested and allegedly beaten up by police officers on Wednesday, August 11, for not wearing a face mask.
Akinyi told the publication that her husband had been detained at Maseno Police Station until he posted a cash bail of Ksh10,000.
"He called me to say he was arrested. Over the phone, he sounded in pain and scared. He did not say much and hang up shortly after. The next day we paid the bail and he was released," narrated Akinyi.
"He was weak when he was released and kept complaining of chest and stomach pains. He was a strong man and even in pain he could wake up and fend for his family."
In a new twist, however, Kisumu West Police boss, Edward Kawangara, blamed the family for not reporting that their kin had been brutalised by the police.
The officer confirmed that the deceased had been arrested for disregarding Covid-19 guidelines.
"We are waiting for an autopsy report which will help in the investigations, but the family should have reported the matter immediately the man was released," stated the officer.
He further noted that investigations into the incident were underway.
The death comes at a time when the country is under a high octane following the death of two brothers, Benson Njiru Ndwiga and Emmanuel Mutura, from Kianjokoma in Embu.
Six officers have already been arraigned regarding the matter on orders from the Director of Public Prosecutions, Noordin Haji.
The two brothers were found dead after arrest by police officers for flouting curfew.
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