By Fridah Mbuvi, June 12, 2026
A 16-year-old Form Three student, Sylvester Muigai Ndung’u of Thingithu Secondary School, has been confirmed dead after his body was identified at the Nanyuki Referral Hospital mortuary following a two-day search by his family.
The teenager had reportedly gone missing after being caught up in violent confrontations between police officers and residents protesting against a proposed Ebola quarantine facility near the Laikipia Airbase.
According to family accounts, Muigai had been sent home from school to collect a KSh 5,700 fee balance when he encountered the unfolding chaos. He was later found to have sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the head during the clashes.
His mother, Lucy Kagure, described him as an innocent child who was simply trying to pursue his education, and has called for a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death and accountability for those involved.
The protests had been triggered by local opposition to the establishment of an Ebola quarantine facility within the military base, with residents arguing that its proximity to residential areas posed significant health and safety risks to the Nanyuki community.
Tensions escalated during the demonstrations, with police reportedly deploying tear gas and live ammunition to disperse crowds, leading to injuries and the fatal shooting of the student.
Authorities are yet to issue a comprehensive statement on the incident as calls for an independent investigation continue to grow from residents and human rights groups.
