NAIROBI, Kenya — Authorities have launched a series of investigations following several unrelated fatal incidents across the country on New Year’s Day, including the heartbreaking death of a toddler in Nairobi’s Eastleigh estate.
A two-year-old boy lost his life on the afternoon of January 1, 2026, after falling from the 12th floor of a residential complex in Eastleigh.
According to police reports, the incident occurred around 4 p.m. while the child was playing on the building’s balcony with other children.
The child plummeted to the ground under circumstances that investigators are currently working to piece together.
First responders confirmed that the minor suffered catastrophic head injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The body has been moved to a local mortuary pending a post-mortem examination.
In a separate development, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has teamed up with the National Police Service to investigate the death of a suspect in Nyandarua County.
The deceased had been arrested on charges of burglary and a felony, to which he had already pleaded guilty. He was serving a 14-day remand period awaiting a court mention scheduled for mid-January.
On New Year’s Day, the suspect reportedly complained of acute abdominal pain and was rushed to Engineer Sub-County Hospital, where he succumbed while undergoing treatment.
While the exact cause of death remains unknown, an autopsy has been scheduled to determine if there was any foul play or medical negligence.
Meanwhile, in Rodi Township, Homa Bay County, a car wash attendant was killed in a workplace accident involving electricity. The victim was performing his duties on January 1 when he was electrocuted.
Despite being rushed to a nearby medical facility, he was pronounced dead on arrival. The incident has drawn the attention of the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC), whose officials visited the site to inspect the power supply and wiring.
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Investigators noted that car wash businesses have seen a rise in such accidents, leading to renewed calls for stricter adherence to electrical safety standards.
“Authorities said investigations are underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident,” a police spokesperson noted regarding the Eastleigh fall.
Similarly, regarding the custody death, officials stated: “IPOA has been notified and is conducting investigations alongside the police, as required by law.”
