The Government has launched investigations into reports that bodies retrieved from the Nairobi Funeral Home and buried at Lang’ata Cemetery were allegedly those of individuals from street families.
In a statement issued on Monday, Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture and Children Services Hanna Cheptumo said her office had taken up the matter with urgency and initiated consultations with relevant agencies to establish the facts surrounding the reported deaths.
“In response to the reports of bodies that were retrieved from Nairobi Funeral Home and interred at Lang’ata Cemetery alleged to be street families, I wish to inform the public that my office has taken note of the matter with the seriousness it deserves,” Cheptumo said.
The Cabinet Secretary disclosed that she held a consultative meeting with officers from the Street Families Rehabilitation Trust Fund (SFRTF) and other concerned government agencies.
She said investigations are ongoing to determine the identity of the deceased, including their age, gender, cause of death and other relevant details.
“The investigations are currently ongoing to establish the identity, age, gender, cause of death and any other relevant details that will provide clarity on the circumstances surrounding the reported deaths,” she said.
The developments come amid growing public concern over the treatment and welfare of vulnerable populations in the capital, particularly street families.
The allegations have sparked calls for accountability and transparency in how deaths involving marginalised groups are handled.
Cheptumo said the meeting also reviewed the implementation of the National Street Families Rehabilitation Policy, which aims to provide coordinated and decentralised support services for street-connected individuals and families across the country.
According to the Cabinet Secretary, County Street Families Rehabilitation Chapters have so far been established and operationalised in 38 counties as part of efforts to strengthen service delivery at the grassroots level.
“These chapters play a critical role in coordinating rehabilitation interventions and ensuring that services are effectively decentralised and brought closer to the communities in need,” she said.
The Ministry said it will continue working with relevant agencies to ensure that the ongoing investigations are concluded and that appropriate action is taken based on the findings.
Cheptumo reiterated the Government’s commitment to upholding the dignity and rights of vulnerable populations, adding that further updates will be provided once investigations are completed.
