IPOA Probes Death of Boda Boda Rider in Police Custody

By : Mweru Mbugua 

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched investigations into the mysterious death of a 23-year-old boda boda rider who died while in police custody at Kawangware Police Post in Nairobi

The deceased, identified as Jack Leon Matoke, was arrested on Thursday evening and detained at the police post pending transfer and booking at Muthangari Police Station

He was reportedly found dead at the City Mortuary about four hours after his detention

In a statement issued on Monday, IPOA confirmed that the incident occurred on Thursday, December 11, 2025. The Authority said it has already visited and documented the scene, established contact with the family, and attended the post-mortem examination at the City Mortuary

IPOA noted that findings from the ongoing investigations will inform further public communication and determine the next course of action, including possible recommendations to relevant State agencies such as the Director of Public Prosecutions if criminal liability is established

“The arising findings will guide the Authority’s subsequent public communication on the status of the investigations and the actions taken, including the submission of appropriate recommendations to relevant State agencies, notably the Director of Public Prosecutions, if criminal liability is determined,” IPOA said

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Matoke is survived by a two-year-old daughter. His family has demanded a thorough and transparent investigation to establish the true cause of his death

“What I want is for us to know the truth about what happened and how he died,” his mother said

Police have claimed that Matoke took his own life while in custody using his T-shirt. However, the family has strongly disputed this account, citing inconsistencies and calling for accountability as investigations continue