IPOA probing death of Simon Warui in police custody; Chairperson Hassan says

In a statement on Tuesday, IPOA Chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan, revealed that Warui’s death occurred on Wednesday 17, September 2025 at the Central police station, Mvita Sub- County in Mombasa. 

The authority, Hassan said, is now interviewing witnesses and reviewing police procedures relating to the incident.

“Further it has obtained the post-mortem report which establishes the cause of death to be "as a result of cardiorespiratory collapse due to fracture of dislocation of the neck which is consistent with a fall from a height", Hassan added.  

Hassan said IPOA will treat the matter with utmost seriousness and urged members of the public to remain calm as investigations continue. 

“The “safety and rights” of individuals placed in police custody are paramount and will work diligently to ensure justice is served,” he added.

However, the statement comes amid reports of a broader issue of deaths in police custody with over 20 people reported died in the previous four months. 

Before his death in custody, Warui had been reported missing in Nairobi, with his disappearance reported at Kamukunji Police Station.

Three days later, his wife claims she received a phone call from a church security guard along Nkrumah Road, who notified her that Warui had been booked at Central Police Station in Mombasa.