Govt launches probe into deaths of street children after burial of nine
Govt launches probe into the deaths of nine street children buried at Lang’ata cemetery last week, Gender CS Hannah Cheptumo says identities and cause of deaths unconfirmed...
✨ Key Highlights
The Kenyan government has launched an investigation into the deaths of nine people believed to be part of Nairobi's street families following their mass burial on January 29, 2026, at Lang'ata Cemetery. The probe seeks to confirm the identities, medical histories, and causes of death.
- Hannah Cheptumo, Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture, and Children Services, stated that autopsy reports or verified medical data are lacking for the deceased.
- The nine bodies, primarily adult males with one infant, had reportedly been held in City Mortuary and Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital Mortuary for several months in 2025.
- Undugu Society of Kenya reported 15 street-connected youth and children died within the last month, citing government neglect.
- The Ministry of Health and the County Government of Nairobi are examining records to identify the individuals and confirm their status as street family members.
- Current government data indicates 18,049 Kenyans live on the streets, a reduction from 46,936 in 2018.
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Probes Launched into Deaths in Kenyatta Market, Nairobi Street Families, and Mwenda Mbijiwe's Disappearance - February 2026
Postmortem exams revealed that Daniel Nuthu, 45, and James Nzau, 29, died from severe blunt force trauma and torture after an alleged assault at Kenyatta Market, with findings showing red pepper and maize were forced down their throats, intensifying allegations of police involvement. In a separate case, the Kenyan government has launched an investigation into the deaths of nine people believed to be part of Nairobi's street families following their mass burial on January 29, 2026. The probe aims to confirm their identities and causes of death. Additionally, the mother of missing security analyst Mwenda Mbijiwe has pressured the government to account for his disappearance from nearly five years ago. During a habeas corpus hearing, she claimed he was abducted by State agents and accused the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) of stonewalling.
