A police officer has been interdicted after a woman suffered a miscarriage while in custody at Rwanyambo Police Post in Nyandarua County, the National Police Service has confirmed.

The incident has drawn fresh attention to the treatment of civilians in police custody, just days after several officers at the Central Police Station in Nairobi were interdicted following the death of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang.

In a statement released on Thursday, June 12, the National Police Service said investigations are underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the Nyandarua case.

“The National Police Service is deeply saddened to inform the public of an unfortunate incident in which a woman miscarried while in police custody,” the statement reads.

The Internal Affairs Unit is leading the investigation in partnership with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).

“To ensure a swift, impartial, and transparent investigation, the officer in charge of Rwanyambo Police Post has been interdicted with immediate effect,” the statement said.

NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said the service remains committed to justice and the protection of public rights.

“The NPS reaffirms its steadfast commitment to serving and protecting the public, while strictly upholding the rule of law, human rights, and fundamental freedoms,” Nyaga stated.

Further updates will be shared as investigations progress.

Meanwhile, IPOA is investigating 18 other cases involving deaths in police custody across the country.

In a report to the National Assembly’s Committee on Administration and Internal Security, the agency said the cases have been recorded between February 2025 and now.

“These cases are being treated with utmost urgency and are at various stages of investigations,” IPOA stated in its presentation to the committee.

The report was submitted as the authority appeared before the committee to give an update on the probe into the death of Albert Ojwang, who died while in custody at Central Police Station under unclear circumstances.

IPOA said it remains committed to independent investigations and will recommend prosecution in cases where police misconduct or abuse is found.

The authority said it is working with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to ensure legal action follows completed investigations.

To strengthen safeguards and promote accountability, IPOA is also working with the National Police Service to improve human rights training for officers.

“Ipoa is committed to a long-term culture of accountability within the police service. The curriculum partly comprises human rights, lawful arrest, and care of those in police custody,” the report stated.