A family in Tusunini village, Makueni County, is in deep mourning and calling for urgent investigations following the tragic death of their kin, 28-year-old Moses Maingi. The family alleges that Maingi succumbed to severe injuries inflicted on him while in the custody of officers at Nunguni Police Station.
The Arrest and Alleged Assault
The ordeal began on January 8, 2026, when Maingi was arrested following a dispute at a local establishment, Oasis Bar. It is alleged that the bar owner accused him of causing a disturbance. However, what started as a minor police matter turned into a nightmare.
According to his elder brother, Julius Mwau, Maingi was allegedly beaten by officers during his time in the cells. When the family finally secured his release—following a struggle to raise a demanded Ksh 20,000 for “damages”—they found him in a harrowing state.
“I found him lying unconscious at the station. For 12 hours after his release, he couldn’t speak or eat,” Mwau told reporters.
The Battle for Life
Maingi’s health deteriorated rapidly. After being rushed to Kilungu Sub-County Hospital and later Machakos Level Five, a head scan at a private facility revealed a blood clot on his head, a common sign of blunt-force trauma. Despite receiving medication, his condition turned fatal on January 21, 2026, when he passed away back at Kilungu Hospital.
Family Demands Answers
The family is now questioning the conduct of the Nunguni Police Station officers. They are specifically asking:
Why was Maingi released in an unconscious state without medical attention?
What transpired inside the cells between January 8th and his release?
Why has there been a delay in providing an official station report regarding his condition?
Growing Concerns Over Police Conduct
This incident adds to a string of reports concerning police oversight in Makueni. Human rights defenders and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) are being urged to step in and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
Under Kenyan law, the police have a “Duty of Care” to anyone in their custody. The death of a young man over a bar dispute has sparked outrage on social media, with many Kenyans using the hashtag #JusticeForMosesMaingi to demand transparency.
