The family of 35-year-old Stephen Mwangi, who was reported by police to have died by suicide inside the armoury at Kenol Police Station, has dismissed the post-mortem report conducted on his body.

Pathologist Dr Waithera Mbau, who examined the remains on Monday at Murang’a Level Five Hospital Mortuary, said Mwangi’s death was due to asphyxia, but noted the findings were not conclusive as more forensic tests are still pending.

Dr Mbau explained that Mwangi’s respiratory failure was caused by obstruction of blood vessels and nerves in the neck, and a black cord measuring 115 centimetres was recovered with the body.

She said toxicology samples had also been collected for further examination.

The death has triggered transfers and investigations at the police station.

Station commander Albert Kipchumba has already been moved, while other officers including Directorate of Criminal Investigations head John Kanda and his deputy Abdul Wako have recorded statements, both saying they were off duty on the day Mwangi died.

Murang’a South Police boss Charity Karimi told the County Security Committee that Mwangi’s body was found around 3 pm by a casual worker.

She added that a broken cable inside the armoury suggested an earlier failed suicide attempt, and admitted there were lapses in security at the station.

Despite this account, Mwangi’s family has rejected the report. Family spokesperson Julius Ngugi said the explanation given does not match what they saw when they viewed the body.

“We are flabbergasted. When we viewed the body on August 12, it was bleeding from the mouth,” Ngugi said, questioning why police were allowed to investigate themselves. “All we have is a fairy tale. Only God will give us justice.”