This archive report was first published on 12 June 2020.
Since the launch of the Nairobi River Restoration Project in 2019, a disturbing trend has emerged. The river has become a dumping ground for the bodies of infants and adults, with Korogocho area being the worst affected.
As of June 2020, a total of 21 bodies have been discovered, including 16 infants and five adults. The bodies were found in various states of decomposition, with some still wrapped in polythene bags or paper bags.
One of the most recent discoveries was made by a team of youths who have been cleaning up the river since last year. On Monday, they found the remains of an infant in a polythene bag floating on the water. Minutes later, they found another body of an infant girl dumped in the same area.
The team leader, Fredrick Okinda, said that they have since buried the two bodies after getting authorization from Kariobangi Police Station.
"One of us noticed a paper bag floating around and when he went on to open it, he was shocked to find remains of an infant and minutes later, we found another body of a girl dumped around the same area," said Mr. Okinda.
Governor Mike Sonko had previously appealed to investigative agencies to move with speed and investigate the killings of people whose bodies are dumped at the river and its tributaries. He called on the police to arrest those behind the dumping of bodies and bring them to book.
