The National Police Service (NPS) has outlined the steps it takes whenever a suspect dies while in police custody.
In a statement on Thursday, August 13, the service said investigations are guided by the Constitution, relevant laws and established investigative procedures.
"Where a suspect dies while in police custody, full investigations shall be instituted without delay, in accordance with the Constitution, relevant legislation, and established investigative protocols," the statement read.
The NPS said due process must be followed throughout the investigative process, including taking administrative measures against officers where circumstances warrant such action.
"Due process will be observed at every stage, including the taking of interdiction measures where appropriate," the statement added.
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According to the NPS, such measures are intended to promote accountability while safeguarding the integrity of investigations and maintaining confidence in the police service.
"Such measures serve primarily to enforce accountability, prevent the tampering of evidence, and maintain public trust," the statement further read.
The NPS further stated that officers found responsible for wrongdoing during investigations would face immediate action, including accountability under the law and the service's internal disciplinary mechanisms..
"Should any police officer be found culpable during the course of such investigations, immediate and decisive action will be taken.
"The officer concerned will be held fully accountable both under the law and through the Service's internal disciplinary procedures," the statement concluded.
This comes a day after the Inspector General Douglas Kanja announced that officers present at police stations where suspects lose their lives while in custody will be interdicted or dismissed from the police force.
Speaking during the Sensitisation Forum on New Service Standing Orders and Police Reforms at the National Police Leadership Academy (NPLA) on Wednesday, August 12, he told police commanders that the rise in the number of deaths in police stations was unacceptable.
Kanja directed them to interdict all officers on duty at the station whenever a suspect dies while in custody.
"Let me be very clear, for any death occurring in police cells, the occurrence book (OB) recorder, the cell sentry and the duty officer must be interdicted immediately pending investigations on whatever happened.
"That is something that you as the commanders on the ground must ensure happens," he ordered.
Kanja further raised concerns over the increasing number of police officers engaged in criminal activities and called on the commanders to rein in officers who act outside the provisions of the law.
He warned that failure to adhere to his directives would lead to demotion and legal consequences.
Kanja further cautioned officers assigned to VIPs against operating outside the law and confirmed that he would be closely monitoring the unit.
