Family of slain Nanyuki protester yet to be traced as body remains in mortuary
By Wanjira Wachira, June 11, 2026The identity of a man who died during anti-Ebola quarantine facility protests in Likii, Nanyuki, remains unknown more than a day after the incident, with efforts underway to trace his family and establish his identity.
Human rights activists said the man’s body is being held at the Nanyuki Teaching and Referral Hospital mortuary as authorities and local residents continue efforts to identify him and locate his next of kin.
Human rights activist Derrick Mwangi said teams were still working to establish the deceased’s identity and contact his relatives.
“We are yet to establish the identity of the person who was killed yesterday. We are trying to trace their family as we speak right now,” Mwangi said.
The uncertainty has raised concern among residents and activists, who say it is troubling that the deceased remains unidentified more than 24 hours after the incident.
Mwangi said the situation highlights the human cost of the demonstrations and the possibility that relatives may still be unaware of what happened to their loved one.
“However, it is really sad that whenever protests have to happen in Nanyuki, someone has to die,” he said.
Protests turn deadly again
According to activists, the man died during unrest in Likii as demonstrations against a proposed Ebola quarantine facility in Laikipia County escalated.
A video reviewed by this publication shows emotional protesters gathered at the scene, with some heard shouting accusations during chaotic moments following reports that a person had been shot.
Mwangi maintained that those participating in the demonstrations were exercising constitutional rights.
“I am going to talk to you a little bit about protesters who were carrying out their civic duty under Article 37 of the Constitution. The right to picket is enshrined in our Constitution as long as we were peaceful,” he said.
He also alleged that police used excessive force while responding to the demonstrations.
“However, from what we saw yesterday, the police used a lot of excessive force against us all,” Mwangi added.
At the time of publication, the circumstances surrounding the man’s death had not been independently established, and authorities had not issued an official statement regarding the incident or efforts to identify the deceased.
People Daily Digital made numerous telephone calls and follow-up attempts to senior police officers in Nanyuki seeking comment on the allegations raised by activists and the reported death. However, the efforts were unsuccessful as no response had been received by the time of publication.
The latest development comes amid continued tension surrounding opposition to the proposed Ebola quarantine facility in Nanyuki.
The unidentified man’s death follows the earlier death of another protester, Charles Mwangi, during demonstrations earlier this week. His family has continued to call for justice as preparations for his burial proceed.
Meanwhile, investigators, activists, and residents continue efforts to identify the deceased and locate his family so that they can be informed and appropriate arrangements made.