Methu demands urgent probe into Turasha Police Cell death

By Newsflash Writer

Nyandarua Senator John Methu has demanded an immediate and thorough investigation into the suspicious death of Simon Ndumbi Kihanya — also known as Ruigi Ndubi — who died in police custody at Turasha Police Station in Kipipiri Constituency.

His call comes amid growing public anger and rising concern over deaths occurring in police custody across Nyandarua County.

In an official letter dated June 24, 2025, addressed to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), Methu described the death as “deeply troubling” and called on IPOA to act swiftly to uncover the truth.

“Given the serious nature of this incident, I urge the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to initiate an immediate and thorough investigation to establish the exact circumstances surrounding Simon’s death and to ensure that any officers found responsible are held accountable in accordance with the law,” Methu stated.

Simon was reportedly arrested at 11:00 a.m. on allegations of obstruction while under the influence of alcohol. By 2:00 p.m., he was found dead in his cell. Police claim the cause of death was suicide, stating he used his shirt to hang himself from the padlock of the cell door. An officer on duty discovered the body at 12:46 p.m., according to the initial report.

Public rejects suicide claim

Residents of Kipipiri quickly dismissed the suicide narrative, staging protests to demand justice and the immediate arrest of the officers involved in his arrest and detention. Demonstrators accused the police of attempting to cover up the true cause of Simon’s death.

“We are demanding justice for the death of this man; his family must get answers on how he died,” said a protester.

“The police involved in arresting him should also be apprehended,” another added.

Nyandarua Senator John Methu. Photo/Handout

“They are killing us like animals,” one woman shouted during the demonstrations, reflecting the deep sense of betrayal and anger among residents.

While police documented the scene and informed IPOA, the public remains unconvinced that the incident will be investigated transparently. IPOA and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) are expected to conduct an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

Rising cases of custodial abuse in Nyandarua

This latest incident follows another disturbing case in Nyandarua, in which a woman reportedly miscarried while in custody at Rwanyambo Police Station in Kinangop, raising further alarm over the treatment of detainees by law enforcement officers.

The surge in such cases has drawn condemnation from local leaders, including Leshau Pondo MCA Kamau Gathungu. Appearing on Kameme TV on the morning of Tuesday, June 24, Gathungu expressed concern over what he termed as a disturbing trend of deaths and abuse in police custody.

“It is unacceptable that Kenyans continue to die at the hands of police. Every life matters, and law enforcement must be held to account,” Gathungu said during the interview.

Human rights groups have also condemned the string of custodial deaths, calling on the National Police Service and IPOA to uphold transparency, investigate without bias, and ensure that justice is served.

Pressure mounts on IPOA

Methu’s letter adds to growing pressure on IPOA to deliver answers and accountability. The Senator emphasized that the country cannot afford to allow such incidents to go unchecked, warning that a failure to act decisively could further erode public trust in law enforcement.

“The exact circumstances surrounding Simon’s death must be established. Any officers found responsible must face the full force of the law,” Methu wrote.

As investigations continue, tension remains high in Kipipiri, with locals demanding justice, transparency, and systemic reform within the police service to end what they perceive as a culture of impunity