"We want justice": Grief as Kenyan man dies in prison in Spain

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

- A Kenyan mother living in Spain lost her 19-year-old son on August 13, 2026, while he was allegedly held in an isolation room in prison

- The grieving mother says authorities have denied her access to her son's body and she is demanding an independent autopsy

- Bakhita Esther has called on the Kenyan Embassy in Spain, diaspora authorities and human rights organisations to intervene

A Kenyan mother based in Spain is desperately seeking answers after her 19-year-old son allegedly died under troubling circumstances while in prison, with the family calling for an independent investigation.

The young man is reported to have died on August 13, 2026, allegedly as a result of smoke inhalation while being held in an isolation room at the facility where he was detained.

Kenyan mum not permitted to view son's death

The boy's grief-stricken mother has revealed that she has not been permitted to view her son's body since his death, a situation that has deepened the family's anguish as they struggle to find out what truly happened to him.

Through a Facebook appeal shared by Bakhita Esther on Friday, August 21, 2026, the mother said she was seeking permission for an independent autopsy to establish the precise cause of her son's death and the circumstances that led to it.

The appeal, which was shared widely including by Kenyan diaspora networks, urged members of the public to spread the message so that it could reach the right authorities.

Family appeal to Kenyan Embassy in Spain

In the appeal, the family directed their plea at multiple parties, including the Kenyan Embassy in Spain, Kenyan diaspora authorities, human rights organisations and other relevant officials, asking each of them to step in and help the family obtain answers and pursue justice.

The circumstances surrounding the 19-year-old's alleged death in an isolation room, and the denial of access to his remains, are matters the family insists require urgent and independent scrutiny.

The post has been circulating on social media, with many Kenyans urging the relevant diplomatic and human rights bodies to take up the matter without delay.

Eric Otieno family claim police demanded KSh 10,000

In another story, TUKO.co.ke also highlighted about Eric Otieno, a boda boda rider from Mathare, whose tragic death followed his release from Muthaiga Police Station, raising serious concerns of police misconduct and the treatment of detainees.

Family members alleged that Otieno's demise could have been prevented had the officers not withheld his release while demanding bail money, leading to a devastating internal injury that ultimately cost him his life.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.