KNCHR Intervenes in the Suspicious Death of A Congolese Refugee
KNCHR Intervenes in the Suspicious Death of A Congolese Refugee
In March 2025, the KNCHR - Coast Regional Office (CRO) received and admitted a complaint from Kituo Cha Sheria – Mombasa, alongside refugee leaders, concerning the suspicious death of Ngoto Koyane, a documented Congolese refugee and musician residing in Diani, Kwale County. Ngoto, born in 1996 and registered under refugee number 823-100043327, was reportedly attacked and killed by unknown persons. His death was reported at Diani Police Station (OB Number 106/08/03/2025), with a post-mortem conducted at Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital confirming death through asphyxiation and manual strangulation.
Upon receiving the complaint, KNCHR immediately deployed a team to conduct a preliminary investigation into the matter. The team engaged key stakeholders, including the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Msambweni, the Office of the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) in Diani, and individuals with close ties to the deceased; his brother Jordy, band manager Neon, and friends Kevine and Emilio. With fears among the witnesses about reprisal or discrimination, KNCHR played a critical role in building trust and facilitating the safe and voluntary recording of statements from key witnesses close to the deceased. On April 14, 2025, the Commission accompanied Neon and Kevine to the DCI offices to ensure their protection and cooperation in the investigation. Meanwhile, efforts are underway to trace and safeguard a key eyewitness, a young beach boy who has gone into hiding.
The case remains under active investigation, with the DCI pursuing several leads, including the role of a woman last seen with the deceased. KNCHR continues to monitor developments closely, emphasizing the importance of timely, impartial investigations, witness protection, and access to justice for the refugee community. This intervention not only seeks justice for the late Ngoto Koyane but also signals the Commission’s commitment to addressing structural barriers that hinder refugee access to legal remedies, while advocating for strengthened police-refugee relations and inclusive, rights-based law enforcement practices.