Probe launched after body of missing construction worker found at Talanta Sports Stadium
Kyengo, reported missing on September 6, was found in a water sump behind the stadium terraces under construction, raising questions over possible foul play.
Detectives are probing the mysterious death of a construction worker whose body was found a week after he went missing at the Talanta Sports Stadium in Jamhuri.
The discovery has left colleagues and family members shaken, as investigators try to piece together what happened to 35-year-old Sammy Kyengo.
More To Read
- Wote Stadium downsized to 5,000 seats after engineering challenges
- Audit exposes systemic procurement failures in stadium projects
- Nyoro warns Sh44.8 billion Talanta loan could cost Kenyans over Sh100 billion
- President William Ruto unveils Sh44 billion Linzi listing, eyes IPOs for State firms
- Government reveals it spent Sh500 million on constructing Homa Bay's Raila Odinga Stadium
- Parklands construction workers stage protest, accuse residents’ association of harassment
Kyengo, reported missing on September 6, was found in a water sump behind the stadium terraces under construction, raising questions over possible foul play.
Reports indicate that casual workers discovered his body on September 13 while clearing materials to prepare the site for plastering. Investigators who arrived at the scene said the remains bore injuries on the back of the head and the right side of the neck, with blood oozing from the nose and mouth.
Authorities added that the body had been concealed with pieces of boards behind the terraces.
Kyengo’s wife, Christine, told reporters that her husband had been frustrated over delayed wages before his disappearance.
“He told me the company had refused to pay them since July. He wanted to claim his money and quit the job,” she said as quoted by Citizen TV.
Fellow workers at the stadium added that they were shocked by the discovery.
“We are shocked and worried. If one of us can disappear and end up dead inside the stadium, in whose hands are we safe?” Ivan Bongo, a colleague, said.
Other workers confirmed seeing Kyengo on the day he disappeared, but could not recall whether he left the premises.
Kyengo’s relatives described him as a peaceful man who had no known disputes.
Scene of Crime Investigators from Nairobi processed the site before moving the body to the Nairobi Funeral Home. An autopsy has been scheduled to determine the exact cause of death. Meanwhile, project managers suspended work on Saturday to allow detectives to secure the scene and gather evidence.
The Talanta Sports City stadium is set to host one of Kenya’s national holidays later this year, despite still being under construction.
Head of Creative Economy and Special Projects in the Office of the President Dennis Itumbi confirmed on September 12 that this year’s Jamhuri Day celebrations, scheduled for December 12, 2025, will officially take place at the 60,000-seater stadium in Jamhuri Grounds along Ngong Road.
Itumbi, speaking after a planning meeting with Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, said the celebrations will be held under the theme “Tourism, Wildlife, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions).”
“Talanta Stadium will host the country on December 12, 2025. We held our first planning meeting with Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, where we agreed on forming an initial team to develop a comprehensive concept. Once finalised, detailed planning for the celebrations will begin,” he said.
Meanwhile, this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations, set for October 10, will take place at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County, a 10,000-seater venue under construction at an estimated cost of Sh700 million.
The government is also upgrading the Kitui Airstrip and improving access roads to support the national event.
Top Stories Today
