A grieving family is demanding justice after 19-year-old boda boda rider Erick Otieno died just hours after being released from police custody, with a post-mortem examination revealing he suffered severe internal injuries that caused massive bleeding.
The teenager’s death has sparked fresh calls for accountability and a thorough investigation into what transpired during the nearly 36 hours he spent in detention at Muthaiga Police Station.
According to his family, Erick was healthy and going about his normal activities before he was taken into custody on Saturday afternoon. Less than two days later, he left the police station unable to walk, vomiting blood and fighting for his life.
A desperate plea for help
For two days, Erick reportedly pleaded with family members to secure his release.
His brothers say he repeatedly called them from custody, complaining of intense pain and telling them he had been injured.
One of his brothers, Arnold Otieno, rushed to Muthaiga Police Station after receiving a distressing phone call from the teenager. He says he was initially denied access before eventually being allowed to see Erick.
What he found left him shocked.
According to the family, Erick could barely stand on his own and was visibly struggling with severe pain. They say he complained of injuries and repeatedly told relatives that he was suffering.
Despite his condition, the family says he remained in custody until late Sunday night when he was released on a cash bail of Sh10,000.
Tragic moments after release
The family’s nightmare worsened moments after Erick walked out of the police station.
His sister, who secured his release, says the teenager could not walk without assistance and complained of excruciating pain around his ribs and waist.
As relatives prepared to rush him to hospital, Erick suddenly vomited blood.
Family members cleaned him up and hurried him into a vehicle for emergency treatment.
During the journey, they say he remained conscious but continued groaning in pain while pleading for help.
When they arrived at Mama Margaret Uhuru Hospital, doctors declared him dead on arrival.
Post-mortem reveals severe internal injuries
A post-mortem examination conducted by government pathologist Dr Bernard Midia painted a disturbing picture of the injuries Erick had sustained.
According to the findings, the teenager died from massive internal haemorrhage caused by blunt force trauma to the abdomen.
The examination revealed a ruptured spleen and injuries to parts of the bowel, resulting in extensive internal bleeding.
Family lawyer Alvin Attalo said the post-mortem also found more than two litres of blood inside Erick’s abdomen, alongside injuries extending from the chest area to the ankle.
The findings have intensified questions surrounding how the young rider sustained such serious injuries.
Calls for accountability
Human rights advocates and the family’s legal team are now calling for a transparent investigation and the preservation of all evidence, including CCTV footage from Muthaiga Police Station.
The family says the key question remains unanswered: how did a teenager who entered police custody alive and healthy emerge critically injured and later die?
Lawyers representing the family have urged investigators to establish the circumstances under which Erick sustained the injuries and identify anyone who may have played a role.
Activists have also called on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to fast-track investigations and ensure those responsible are held accountable if wrongdoing is established.
A family seeking justice
For Erick’s relatives, the tragedy is about more than a post-mortem report.
They remember a young man trying to rebuild his life through a boda boda business and support his family.
Now, instead of celebrating his future, they are preparing for his burial while searching for answers.
As investigations continue, the family insists they will not rest until they know exactly what happened between the moment Erick entered police custody and the moment he left the station unable to walk.
