Police in Machakos have launched an investigation into an incident in which a 50-year old man committed suicide inside a temporary holding room in the Machakos town bus park Monday afternoon.
The deceased, identified as Mutuku Mutie, 50 allegedly used his belt to hang himself during his confinement. A police report seen by The Standard shows that the deceased was arrested by Machakos County inspectorate enforcement officers over touting and use of abusive language on commuters.
No suicide note was found at the scene. The concerned inspectorate enforcement officers reportedly fled the scene as the irate members of the public threatened ‘deal with them.’ The incident sparked public outrage with angry members of the public demanding an explanation as to why the county authorities had allowed enforcement officers to execute arrests and enforcement without adherence to professional standards and procedures.
Machakos County Secretary, Muya Ndambuki confirmed the incident in a hurriedly convened presser where urged the public to remain calm as police conclude investigation into the matter.
“One of the citizens of this county has unfortunately passed on in circumstances that are under investigation by the relevant authorities. For us as civil service it is very clear to us there are certain procedures and protocols that need to be followed. In order to allow police undertake that responsibility, we as county government have interdicted the officer who was involved pending investigations” Dr Muya said.
The county secretary maintained that the county government does not condone recklessness or carelessness in the handling of residents.
The body of the deceased was removed to Machakos level 5 hospital mortuary pending autopsy.