Shock and grief have gripped Kibera after the horrific killing of 54-year-old Zaituni Kavaya, better known as “Mama Fua,” while on a laundry assignment in Kilimani.
Kavaya had been contracted to wash clothes at an apartment on Mpunga Road and had just finished her work when the tragedy occurred. A few minutes before she was murdered, she had been preparing to return home to Kibera. However, she was summoned back by the employer’s son, who accused her of stealing money from a pair of trousers she had washed.
She calmly denied the allegation and said she was about to head home. She returned to the apartment — but never left alive. Later, police informed her daughter, Faith, of her death; the family later identified her body at the Nairobi City Mortuary.
Five Sudanese nationals from the residence have since been arrested in connection with the incident. According to court documents, the suspects claim Kavaya fell from a balcony while supposedly trying to escape an accusation of theft. But a postmortem report revealed she died from multiple blunt-force injuries, casting serious doubt on their version of events.
Her family is demanding justice. “She left home healthy, only to be called back and end up dead,” Faith lamented.
The suspects remain in custody at Kilimani Police Station as investigations continue.
