Nairobi street families deaths: Gender ministry responds to claims of mass killings

Nairobi has seen reports of alleged mass deaths among street families, drawing national attention and raising questions about the welfare of vulnerable populations.

The incidents reportedly culminated on January 29, when nine bodies believed to be street families were buried at Lang’ata Cemetery, with the funeral costs covered by aspiring Nairobi governor Agnes Kagure. Other bodies are said to still await burial.

The Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children Services has since stepped in to investigate the developments.

In a statement released on Monday, February 2, Cabinet Secretary Hanna Wendot expressed concern and vowed a thorough inquiry.

“The ministry has taken note of reports regarding the burial of several individuals believed to be street-connected persons at Lang’ata Cemetery during the last week of January. We convey deepest condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of the deceased during this difficult time,” Wendot said.

“The government stands in solidarity with the affected families and communities and remains dedicated to ensuring that all vulnerable persons are treated with compassion, care, and respect, both in life and in death,” she added.

What happened to Nairobi’s street families?

Preliminary information indicates that the nine bodies, predominantly adult males with one infant, were released from City Mortuary and Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital Mortuary.

The statement suggested that these bodies had been held in the mortuaries for several months in 2025 and that the burials were organised by well-wishers and community-based organisations without prior notification to the ministry.

The government is therefore working closely with Nairobi City County, the Ministry of Health, and other relevant agencies to establish accurate records, including the age, gender, identity, and cause of death, and to determine whether the deceased were indeed members of street-connected populations.

How has Kenya reduced its street population?

Wendot highlighted Kenya’s ongoing efforts to support vulnerable persons, pointing out progress made through street family rehabilitation programmes.

According to the 2025 National Census of Street Families, the street population has reduced from 46,936 in 2018 to 18,049 through coordinated rescue, rehabilitation, reintegration, psychosocial support, education, and economic empowerment initiatives.

“The ministry reiterates its commitment to strengthening systems for early identification, rescue, care, protection, and reintegration of vulnerable persons, and to ensuring that all deaths are handled with dignity, accountability, and in accordance with the law,” Wendot said.

She confirmed that investigations into the recent incidents are ongoing and pledged that verified findings will be shared with the public.

The ministry has also called on stakeholders and members of the public to collaborate with government agencies in reporting vulnerable persons in need of support, emphasising that no one should be left behind.

What did Undugu Society say regarding the street family deaths?

TUKO.co.ke previously reported that the unexplained deaths of the street-connected children and youth in Nairobi sparked urgent calls for government accountability.

The Undugu Society of Kenya (USK), which has supported street communities for over five decades, criticised reliance on charity and waived hospital bills as insufficient solutions.

The organisation called for transparent investigations, legal identification for street youth, personal security assurances, and reforms in policies affecting homelessness and criminal justice.

Without systemic reforms, the society warned, such deaths are likely to continue, and urgent action is needed to ensure dignity, justice, and accountability for vulnerable populations.

Tuko