Police have given their version of events surrounding the death of Antony Ochieng, saying he died from injuries sustained when a vehicle he was travelling in crashed during an alleged police chase in Githurai, Nairobi.
The account comes as friends and other concerned parties call for an independent investigation into claims that Ochieng had been arrested by police before his death.
Highlights
- Police say Ochieng died after a Mazda CX-5 crashed during a pursuit.
- Five men were allegedly inside the vehicle when officers attempted to stop them.
- Police recovered suspected stolen electronics and other items.
- One of the occupants died while others reportedly escaped.
- Friends and concerned parties are calling for a transparent investigation.
Main Story
Police Dispute Claims Surrounding Ochieng’s Death
Nairobi police have rejected allegations that Antony Ochieng died after being assaulted while in police custody, maintaining that he sustained fatal injuries in a road crash.
The explanation was issued amid calls for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Some people close to Ochieng had alleged that he was arrested by officers attached to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and Kasarani Police Station before he died.
They have questioned the official account and called for officers to face prosecution if an investigation establishes that they were responsible for any wrongdoing.
Police Account of the Chase
Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud said Ochieng was among five men who allegedly fled from officers after being spotted in suspicious circumstances on September 21.
According to police, the incident happened at about 8:30pm in the Sonic area.
Officers on patrol reportedly noticed the group allegedly offloading suspected stolen electronics at a second-hand shop operated by a trader known as “Pau”.
Police said the men returned to a Mazda CX-5 after noticing the officers and sped away, prompting a pursuit.
The vehicle allegedly lost control during the chase, struck an electricity pole and plunged into a ditch.
Two occupants reportedly managed to escape on foot, while Ochieng was left seriously injured.
He was taken to Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital but was pronounced dead after arrival.
Police Deny Assault Allegations
Mohamud disputed claims that Ochieng had been beaten by officers.
He said investigations should be allowed to establish what happened and indicated that a postmortem examination would be important in determining the precise cause of death.
The police commander said the examination would also help guide any further action arising from the investigations.
Suspected Stolen Electronics Recovered
Crime Scene Investigation officers reportedly examined both the crash site and the second-hand electronics shop.
Police said they recovered 28 television sets, five home theatre systems, laptops, mobile phones, clothes, shoes and a gas cylinder.
A dagger and crowbar were also reportedly found.
Investigators are now working to establish the ownership of the recovered electronics, with some items allegedly being linked to theft reports from the Central Region.
This has raised suspicion that the suspects could be connected to a broader network involved in stealing electronic goods.
Manhunt Underway
The recovered items have been secured at Kasarani Police Station, while the damaged Mazda remains there as investigations continue.
Police have launched a search for the suspects who allegedly escaped from the scene.
Officers are also looking for the trader identified as “Pau” as they investigate the circumstances surrounding the suspected theft and the events that led to the fatal crash.
Calls for Independent Investigation
Meanwhile, Ochieng’s friends and other concerned parties continue to demand a transparent investigation into his death.
They want the circumstances before, during and after the crash independently examined and accountability pursued if wrongdoing is established.
With competing accounts now emerging, the postmortem examination, forensic analysis and examination of the crash scene are expected to play a key role in establishing what happened.
With conflicting accounts surrounding Ochieng’s final moments, a transparent investigation will be crucial in establishing what happened and ensuring that any proven wrongdoing is addressed.
