Francis Wambugu Irungu The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has initiated an investigation into the suspicious death of Jack Deon Maloba, a 23-year-old boda boda rider who died while in police custody at the Kawangware Police Post. Maloba was taken into custody on Thursday, December 11, 2025, around 7 p.m., and his lifeless body was discovered at the City Mortuary just a few hours later, raising serious questions about the circumstances of his death.
In a statement released on Monday, IPOA detailed that Maloba was being held at the Kawangware Police Post as he awaited transfer and processing at the Muthangari Police Station in Nairobi County. Following the incident, the Authority promptly visited and documented the scene, gathered contact information from Maloba’s family, and attended the post-mortem examination at the mortuary.
The IPOA has indicated that its findings will inform subsequent public communications regarding the progress of the investigation and any actions taken, which may include recommendations to relevant state agencies, including the Director of Public Prosecutions, if criminal liability is established. The Authority emphasized its commitment to ensuring a thorough investigation into the circumstances of Maloba’s death.
Maloba leaves behind a two-year-old daughter, and his family is demanding a comprehensive inquiry to uncover the true cause of his death. His mother expressed her desire for clarity: “What I want is for us to know the truth about what happened and how he died.” The family’s call for justice is strengthened by their skepticism regarding the police’s narrative of events.
According to the police, Maloba allegedly took his own life by hanging himself with his t-shirt while in custody. However, the family has contested this claim, pointing out inconsistencies in the police’s account. They noted that the t-shirt purportedly used in the suicide has not been produced, and Maloba was found wearing the same clothes he had on when arrested. Furthermore, they reported that there are marks on his neck suggesting possible strangulation with a wire, raising further doubts about the official story.
The timeline of events reveals serious gaps: Maloba was arrested and taken to the Kawangware Police Post around 7 p.m., and his death was officially recorded at the City Mortuary at 10:50 p.m., just a few hours later. This rapid transition from detention to death has prompted IPOA and the family to demand clarity and accountability.
The IPOA’s investigation underscores the critical need for transparency in policing and accountability in cases involving deaths in custody. As this investigation unfolds, it poses significant implications for public trust in law enforcement and highlights ongoing concerns regarding police conduct and the treatment of detainees.
The atmosphere remains tense as the family and the public seek answers. The methodologies employed by the police and the circumstances surrounding Maloba’s death will be closely scrutinized in the days ahead. For now, the IPOA’s ongoing investigation aims to shed light on this troubling incident, raising alarms about the treatment of individuals in custody and driving a broader demand for reform in policing practices.
