Family demands justice after kin is brutally assaulted in police custody

Muchangi's troubles began on New Year’s Eve when he was arrested at a local pub in Nduuri. He claims the officers wanted him to disclose the whereabouts of the pub’s owner, who police alleged was his cousin and was under investigation.

Once at the police station, Muchangi says he was locked in a cell where he encountered what he described as a living nightmare.

Inside the cells, Muchangi says a fellow suspect attacked him, raining blows and kicks on him with relentless force. He tried to scream for help, but by the time officers intervened, the damage had already been done.

“The other suspect wanted to take money I had in my pocket, which wasn’t recorded in the Occurrence Book during my booking. When I resisted, he attacked me mercilessly,” Muchangi said.

When police officers finally checked on him, Muchangi was bleeding and his face was swollen. He was taken to Runyenjes Level 4 Hospital for treatment but, shockingly, returned to the cells afterward.

In a puzzling twist, Muchangi says he was released from custody around 4:30 a.m. the following day. Police allegedly dropped him by the roadside near his home without pressing any charges against him.

Bruised and traumatized, Muchangi is now seeking justice and holding the police accountable for what he describes as negligence and mistreatment.

Embu East sub county Police Commander Antony Maina confirmed the assault, expressing regret over the incident. However, he defended the officers on duty, saying they responded promptly.

“We had two suspects in custody—one from Nduuri and another from Mugui. While in the cells, one attacked the other,” Maina explained. “When the injured suspect screamed, officers rushed in and separated them. He was taken to Runyenjes Level 4 Hospital at around 6 a.m. for medical attention.”

Maina admitted Muchangi sustained serious injuries but maintained that police acted appropriately in handling the situation.

He said the suspect who assaulted Muchangi will be charged over his act.

Muchangi’s family is now urging authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly and take action against those responsible.

The incident has raised concerns about detainees' safety and the responsibility of law enforcement officers to ensure their well-being while in custody.