Families of Kware murder victims seek State help for burials after DNA identification

It’s a sigh of relief for the families of four individuals who were brutally murdered and dumped at Kware dumping site in Pipeline area, Nairobi after DNA results confirmed the identities of their loved ones.

The four were among the 17 bodies recovered in July, and their remains have now been returned to their families. The families of the four are now appealing to the government for financial help to cover burial costs.

“We received a call yesterday and came to confirm,” Jackline Atien,  one of the family members, said.

Omondi Otieno, another family member, added, “The DCI informed us that they found Rosemary among the bodies. We can confirm that we found her intact.”

However, many of the bodies were discovered in a dismembered state, with some limbs amputated below the knees. The family of one victim, Rosemary Achieng, said that their loved one’s body was found in a distressing state.

Although the four identified bodies have been released to their families for burial, the families decried that they are struggling to afford the associated costs. They have now urged the government to assist with mortuary fees and burial expenses.

“I want to ask the government to help... Nairobi government, please help us,” Victor Maina pleaded.

Human rights activists have criticised the government's handling of the situation, accusing the authorities of attempting a cover-up by halting the body retrieval process at the Kware dumpsite. They also claim that there are plans to dispose of the remaining unidentified bodies.

“We must get answers to many questions. Why does the government want to dispose of the bodies?” Hussein Khalid, the Executive Director of Haki Africa posed.

Officers have reported that forensic investigations are still underway to identify the remaining victims.

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) filed a petition on Monday, requesting the High Court to intervene and prevent the Nairobi County government from disposing of 120 unclaimed bodies currently at the Nairobi City Funeral Home.

The LSK said it wants to ensure that the identities of the bodies are confirmed through a DNA sampling process before any disposal.

The bodies, which have been in storage at the Nairobi City Funeral Home, were reportedly dropped off by police officers from 12 different police stations across Nairobi between May 12, 2023, and April 28, 2024.

The majority of the bodies are said to be male.

"Pending the hearing and determination of this Application infer- parties, an order of mandamus do issue compelling the Respondents to conduct a DNA sampling process to ascertain the identity of the 120 Unclaimed Bodies lying at Nairobi City Funeral Home," the LSK said in its petition.