State launches probe into deaths of street-connected children buried at Lang’ata Cemetery

The Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children Services has raised concerns over the burial of nine individuals reportedly connected to street families at Lang’ata Cemetery, saying it was carried out without prior notification to the Government.

In a statement released on Monday, the Ministry conveyed its “deepest condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of the deceased during this difficult time,” while emphasising the importance of upholding the dignity of every life.

“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,” the statement added.

Preliminary information, according to the ministry, indicates that the nine bodies were released from City Mortuary and Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital Mortuary and buried on January 29, 2026.

The deceased are reported to include eight adult males and one infant. Sources suggest that the bodies had been held in mortuaries for several months in 2025.

The burials were reportedly facilitated by well-wishers and community-based organisations.

The Ministry noted that it was not informed prior to the burials and that no official post-mortem reports or verified medical documentation have been made available to confirm the identities, causes of death, or circumstances surrounding the deaths.

"Preliminary information received indicates that nine (9) bodies were released from City Mortuary and Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital Mortuary and buried on 29th January, 2026. The deceased persons are reported to have been male adults, with the exception of one infant. These bodies had reportedly been held in mortuaries for several months in 2025. and the burials were facilitated by well-wishers and community-based organisations. The Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children Services was not informed of these developments prior to the burials," the statement read.

Government officials are now working closely with Nairobi City County, the Ministry of Health, and other relevant agencies to establish accurate records, including the gender, age, and identity of the deceased, and to determine whether they were indeed members of street-connected populations.

“The Government remains deeply concerned about the welfare, dignity, and safety of all vulnerable persons, including those living and working on the streets,” the statement said.

The Ministry highlighted Kenya’s progress in street families rehabilitation, citing the 2025 National Census of Street Families, which indicated a reduction in the street population from 46,936 in 2018 to 18,049.

This decline, it said, has been achieved through coordinated efforts in rescue, rehabilitation, reintegration, psychosocial support, education, and economic empowerment programmes implemented with county governments, civil society organisations, and development partners.

The Cabinet Secretary, Hannah Wendot Cheptumo, reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening systems for early identification, rescue, care, protection, and reintegration of vulnerable persons.

She emphasised that all deaths must be handled with dignity, accountability, and in accordance with the law.

Investigations into the recent burials are ongoing. The Ministry assured the public that verified findings would be shared in due course and urged stakeholders to collaborate with government agencies to report vulnerable persons in need of support.

“We must work together to ensure that no one is left behind,” the statement said.

The incident comes as a reminder of the challenges facing street-connected populations in Nairobi and other urban areas, and the need for continued oversight to ensure their protection.

While community groups often step in to provide support, the Ministry stresses that proper coordination with government authorities is essential in handling sensitive matters such as deaths and burials.

As investigations continue, the Ministry has called for patience and cooperation from the public and stakeholders, underlining that every effort will be made to clarify the identities and circumstances surrounding the deaths.