Coast police boss breaks silence over Simon Warui’s death in custody
By Sophie Njoka, September 23, 2025Coast Regional Police Commander Ali Nuno has broken his silence on the death of 26-year-old Nairobi resident Simon Warui, who died inside Mombasa Central Police Station cells under unclear circumstances.
Speaking on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, Nuno insisted that no officer would be shielded if found culpable.
“There is no sacred cow. We are all subject to the law. Let fair and impartial investigations take place. I will ensure the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) gets the necessary support,” he said.
Warui was reportedly arrested at his Embakasi home by Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers in connection with claims of theft.
However, questions remain over how he was ferried to Mombasa, only for his relatives to be informed of his death three days later.
According to activist Walid Sketty, Warui’s family suspects foul play, citing police reluctance to release CCTV footage and details from the Occurrence Book (OB).
“Some of his personal items, including his mobile phone, are missing. Human rights defenders want answers and transparency on what transpired,” Sketty said.
Friends of the deceased claim they were informed of his arrest by an unknown person, but upon arrival in Mombasa, they were picked up by DCI officers from Urban Police Station and later taken to Central Police Station, where Warui had already died.
IPOA launches probe
In a statement on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, IPOA confirmed it had opened investigations into Warui’s death. The authority said its team had begun collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing police procedures.
It added that a postmortem revealed Warui died of cardiorespiratory collapse due to fracture dislocation of the neck, consistent with a fall from height.
“The safety and rights of individuals in custody are paramount. IPOA will handle this matter with the seriousness it deserves,” the statement read
The autopsy further indicated Warui had ligature marks, a scalp wound, a fractured vertebra, and spinal haemorrhage. Police constable Kevin Sawe, who filed the postmortem request, reported the deceased was found lying in a washroom with blood oozing from his nose.
Warui’s body has since been moved to Nairobi ahead of his burial in Mukurweini, Nyeri County.