The body of Simon Owino, a 24-year-old resident of Kangemi, Nairobi, was discovered floating in the Kangemi dam on July 30.
Owino had been missing since July 26, and his disappearance coincided with recent anti-government protests that have swept across the country.
His father, who reported him missing, identified the body at the scene.
The discovery has sparked outrage among the local community, who accuse the police of responding too slowly to the incident.
The locals, frustrated by what they perceived as police inaction, removed the body from the dam and blocked Waiyaki Way, demanding a police vehicle to transport it to the mortuary.
They also called for a thorough investigation into Owino’s death.
The situation highlights growing tensions in Nairobi, where protests against the government have led to a series of arrests and reports of missing persons.
Kenya National Commission on Human Rights recently stated that the number of abductions and arrests related to the protests has significantly increased. Locals suspect that Owino may have been targeted due to his participation in these demonstrations.
Police arrived at the scene to disperse the protesters and restore traffic flow.
Eventually, a police vehicle was sent to move Owino’s body to the mortuary. Authorities have stated that an investigation into his death is ongoing, though the cause remains unclear.
President William Ruto has urged criminal justice agencies to release individuals not implicated in crimes related to the protests, emphasizing the need to focus resources on prosecuting those who exploit peaceful demonstrations for criminal purposes.
