Man Who Fired at Police and Caused Chaos in Kisumu Dies in Custody
A 21-year-old man who was arrested after a dramatic gunfight with police officers in Kisumu County has reportedly died by suicide while being held at the Kisumu Central Police Station.
The suspect’s death occurred just days after he was arrested following a botched robbery that shocked traders and residents in the city.
According to police reports, an officer on duty realized that the suspect was missing during the morning roll call at around 6 a.m. A quick search was launched, and upon checking the cell’s bathroom, officers found the young man’s body.
His remains were later taken to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital mortuary, where a post-mortem examination is expected to determine the cause of death.
The man had been arrested on October 27 after engaging police officers in a fierce shootout along Otieno Oloo Street. The confrontation caused panic among traders and pedestrians who scrambled for safety as gunfire echoed through the busy area.
Kisumu County Police Commander Bakari explained that the chaos began when officers spotted the suspect walking with two other men, carrying a suspicious-looking bag.
“When the officers attempted to approach them for questioning, the suspect suddenly pulled out a firearm from his bag and began shooting,” Bakari said. “The incident took place near Patel Samaj Temple along Otieno Oyoo Street.
The man opened fire at our officers before running into the temple compound, where he held a security guard at gunpoint, robbed him of his phone and other valuables, and even tied him up with a piece of cloth.”
Witnesses said worshippers who were inside the temple at the time were forced to flee in terror as the armed suspect climbed to the upper floors of the building and continued to fire shots at police officers from his hiding spot.
The police later managed to corner and subdue the suspect after a tense standoff. They recovered an AK-47 rifle and five rounds of ammunition from him.
The suspect, who sustained minor injuries during the arrest, was treated at a local hospital in Kisumu before being arraigned in court on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.
Following his court appearance, the magistrate ordered that he be remanded at Kisumu Central Police Station for 14 days as investigations continued.
His sudden death in custody has raised questions about the conditions at police stations and the mental well-being of detainees.
Experts have continually urged people facing emotional distress or mental health struggles to seek professional help instead of resorting to self-harm.
Counsellors, psychologists, and medical professionals encourage anyone experiencing psychological challenges to reach out for assistance.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, you can contact the Kenya Red Cross toll-free hotline at 1199 for immediate support and counseling.
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