The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched investigations into the death of a boda boda rider in police custody at Kawangware Police Post.
Jack Leon Matoke had been detained at the police post pending transfer and booking at Muthangari Police Station in Nairobi on December 11, 2025.
The Authority has already visited and documented the scene, established contact with the family, and attended the post-mortem at the City Mortuary on December 15, 2025.
“On Sunday, December 14, 2025, and pursuant to Section 7(1)(a)(x) of the IPOA Act, CAP 86 of the Laws of Kenya, which mandates the Authority to investigate deaths and serious injuries at or suspected to have occurred as a result of police actions, the Independent. Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), on its own motion, launched investigations into the death of Jack Leon Matoke in police custody,” IPOA said in a statement.
Following due process
Additionally, IPOA stated that the necessary steps will be taken to get to the bottom of the case.
“The arising findings will guide the Authority’s subsequent public communication on the status of the investigations and the actions taken, including the submission of appropriate recommendations to relevant state agencies, notably the Director of Public Prosecutions, if criminal liability is determined,” it stated.
The Authority has urged members of the public and affected families to stay calm as investigations are conducted into the circumstances surrounding Matoke’s death.
“IPOA remains committed to conducting investigations that are independent, impartial, fair, and free from influence,” it added.
The order of events
According to a report by Citizen Digital, the police claimed the young man took his own life using his T-shirt while in custody. However, his family disputed the account, citing inconsistencies.
Matoke’s relatives said his body was found still dressed in his full motorcycle riding gear, contradicting the official version of events.
The rider’s death has raised questions regarding what occurred during his brief time in police custody.
Matoke was reportedly arrested on Thursday, December 11, 2025, around 7:00 p.m. His body was later found at Nairobi City Mortuary just a few hours after his detention.
Death in police custody is an emotive topic in Kenya, especially after Albert Ojwang died in the hands of the authorities in June 2025. The teacher’s death sparked outrage across the country, leading to demonstrations.
Ojwang was arrested following a complaint by the deputy police chief, who accused him of tarnishing his name on social media. The police claimed he sustained head injuries after hitting his head against a cell wall while in custody.
However, his family stated that his body bore signs of severe physical trauma, including swelling on the head, nose and ears.
It remains to be seen what the investigations will reveal regarding Matoke’s death as his family plans for burial.
Discussion about this post