Govt Launches Probe Into Deaths Of Nine Street Children Buried At Lang’ata Cemetery
News Updated: 02 February 2026 21:16 EAT
Caskets of nine street children buried at Kang'ata cemetry last week
The government has launched an official investigation into the deaths and burial of nine street-connected individuals interred at Lang’ata Cemetery in Nairobi last week, amid concerns over unclear identities and unconfirmed causes of death.
Gender, Culture and Children Services Cabinet Secretary Hannah Cheptumo said the ministry was not informed prior to the burials and only learned of the matter after the interment had already taken place, prompting immediate action.
According to preliminary information, the bodies were released from City Mortuary and Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital Mortuary before being buried on January 29, 2026, reportedly with the assistance of well-wishers and community-based organisations.
Cheptumo noted that the government is yet to establish the identities, ages and backgrounds of the deceased, adding that no verified post-mortem reports have been presented to confirm the causes or circumstances of their deaths.
Initial reports indicate that the deceased included eight adult males and one infant, with some of the bodies having remained in mortuaries for several months before burial arrangements were made.
The CS said a multi-agency team involving the Ministry of Health, Nairobi City County and other relevant authorities has been tasked with reviewing mortuary records, hospital documentation and burial procedures.
She expressed condolences to the families and communities affected, stressing that every life deserves dignity and accountability, regardless of social or economic status.
The probe comes amid growing concern from civil society groups over a recent spike in deaths among street-connected children and youth in Nairobi, raising broader questions about neglect, vulnerability and access to healthcare.
Rights organisations have called for transparency and thorough investigations, urging the government to address systemic gaps in the protection and care of street families.
Cheptumo reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening identification, rescue and reintegration systems for vulnerable populations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Authorities say findings from the investigation will be made public once verification of identities and causes of death is complete.
Tags: Deaths Government Of Kenya Signs Media Kenya Limited Signsmedia
Share this article
FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD