A man in Kapchorwa District took his own life inside police cells after being detained for allegedly misappropriating burial condolence money.
The incident occurred at Kapchesombe Police Post on Thursday evening, between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM.
The deceased, identified as Chemutai Joseph, was a resident of Twenke Village, Tambacha Parish, Kapseko Sub-County, Kapchorwa Municipality.
According to eyewitnesses, Chemutai had been entrusted by his clan to serve as the secretary during the burial of his father-in-law, Kiplangat Andrew, a resident of Adar Cell, Kaplokor Ward, East Division, Kapchorwa Municipality.
As part of his role, he was tasked with managing the condolence funds. However, Chemutai allegedly misused a portion of the money, amounting to UGX 430,000.
After the burial, it is reported that Chemutai spent some of the money at a local bar called Riverside, where he bought beer. When the burial committee later counted the funds, they discovered a shortfall. Upon investigation, Chemutai admitted to receiving the money but failed to account for the missing amount.
When pressed by the committee to return the funds, Chemutai could not produce the money. The committee subsequently handed him over to Kapchesombe Police Post. Efforts to resolve the matter on Thursday reportedly failed as Chemutai became uncooperative, stating that he preferred to remain in custody.
Later that evening, at around 7:00 PM, police officers discovered that Chemutai had taken his own life using his clothing while in detention.
It is believed that Chemutai chose to end his life to avoid the shame of facing his community after misusing the condolence money.
Sipi Region Police Spokesperson Fredmark Chesang confirmed the incident but refrained from providing further details, stating that a full report was not yet available at the time of publication.
