A postmortem conducted on Albert Omondi, a 31-year-old man who died in police custody at the Central Police Station in Nairobi, has confirmed that he succumbed to a severe head injury caused by blunt force trauma—injuries pathologists say were not self-inflicted.
This revelation, documented in an autopsy form seen by our newsroom, has sparked outrage and renewed calls for accountability within the police service.
What the Postmortem Revealed
According to the internal examination by pathologists at City Mortuary, Omondi sustained a deep head injury accompanied by internal bleeding. The report also lists:
Blunt trauma to both angles of the mandible (jaw)
Bleeding in the submental region (under the chin)
Signs of trauma in the spinal region
Hematoma on the left side of the skull
Bruises around the neck and face
The forensic findings explicitly ruled out self-harm, stating the "injuries were not self-inflicted", a key detail that now turns the focus to possible police brutality.
The Incident: What Happened That Night?
As outlined in the official police form (Postmortem Form No. 386), Omondi was arrested and booked into a holding cell at the Central Police Station at approximately 11:35 PM on June 7, 2025. At around 1:39 AM, he reportedly lost consciousness.
Police officers claimed that Omondi was found unresponsive and was quickly rushed to Mbagathi Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.
However, serious contradictions have emerged. Eyewitnesses and human rights activists allege that Omondi may have been beaten while in custody. No CCTV footage or independent monitoring has been released so far.
Officers Suspended as DCI Launches Probe
Following the postmortem, several police officers at the Central Police Station have been suspended, pending investigations by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
Kenya’s Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has confirmed they are actively involved in the probe. IPOA Chairperson Anne Makori stated:
“We are treating this as a potential case of custodial torture. No officer is above the law.”
Local and National Outcry Grows
The case has triggered demonstrations and a national conversation about police conduct. Civil society organizations, including Amnesty International Kenya, have demanded transparent investigations and justice for Omondi’s family.
Near Nairobi’s City Hall and along Moi Avenue—just steps from the Central Police Station—protesters held placards reading “Justice for Albert” and “Stop Police Killings.”
What’s Next?
The family has since hired a private pathologist for a second opinion. Meanwhile, IPOA has promised to share its findings within 21 days.
With the official postmortem confirming blunt force trauma as the cause of death, public pressure is now mounting for criminal charges and policy reform in handling detainees.
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