A family in Ngarariga, Limuru, Kiambu County is grieving the heartbreaking and disturbing death of 15-year-old Victor Kimani, a Grade 9 student at Ngeya Junior Secondary School. Kimani lost his life under unclear and troubling circumstances while undergoing traditional circumcision, a rite that was expected to initiate him safely into manhood.
According to the family, Kimani had been placed under the care of two young men assigned to look after him in a secluded house during the healing period. However, their actions on the morning of the tragedy raised suspicion. The family says the caregivers declined to pick up the hot water and tea prepared for the boy, promising instead to “ask for it later.” Shortly after, they reportedly locked the boy inside the room and vanished from the homestead without explanation.
When Kimani’s mother tried reaching him and received no response, she became increasingly anxious. With the help of neighbours, she forced open the locked door—only to find her son lying motionless on the bed.
A post-mortem examination later revealed harrowing details. Kimani had severe bruising on his legs, arms and elbows, injuries consistent with a desperate attempt to defend himself. Even more shocking, the report showed that food had been forced into his airways.
The incident has triggered outrage among residents and cultural elders, who condemned the handling of the initiation process. Traditionally, caretaking duties were entrusted to experienced and trustworthy uncles, not unsupervised young men.
Police have since launched a manhunt for the two caregivers, who remain on the run. As the community mourns, questions continue to mount over what truly happened in the hours before Kimani’s death and whether this tragedy could have been prevented.
