Tension is rising in Murang’a after the family of 35-year-old Stephen Mwangi dismissed the official post-mortem report into his death inside the Kenol Police Station armoury.
Police insist Mwangi died by suicide, but the family has rejected that explanation, calling it inconsistent with what they saw.
Pathologist Dr. Waithera Mbau, who conducted the autopsy at Murang’a Level Five Hospital Mortuary, listed the cause of death as asphyxia. She said the findings were inconclusive and that further forensic tests, including toxicology, are underway. A black cord measuring 115 centimeters has also been preserved for examination.
Dr. Mbau noted Mwangi suffered respiratory failure caused by obstruction of blood vessels and nerves in the neck.
The case has already triggered changes within the police service. Kenol Police Station boss Albert Kipchumba has been transferred, while DCI chief John Kanda and his deputy Abdul Wako have recorded statements, both claiming they were off duty at the time of Mwangi’s death.
Murang’a South Police Commander Charity Karimi told the County Security Committee that a casual worker discovered Mwangi’s body at around 3 pm. She added that a broken cable at the scene suggested a failed earlier attempt and admitted there were lapses in the station’s security system.
Mwangi’s relatives remain unconvinced. Family spokesperson Julius Ngugi questioned the credibility of the autopsy and police investigation.
“We are surprised. When we viewed the body on August 12, it was bleeding from the mouth,” Ngugi said.
“All we have is a fairy tale. Only God will give us justice.”
The family is now demanding an independent probe into Mwangi’s death, arguing that the truth cannot come from a police-led investigation.
