On September 18–19, 2025, the life of 55-year-old domestic worker Zaituni Kavaya was tragically cut short under mysterious circumstances at her employer’s residence in Kilimani, Nairobi. What began as a routine workday ended in a death that has sparked national outrage, peaceful demonstrations, and urgent calls for justice and stronger protections for Kenya’s domestic workforce.

According to colleagues and family members, Zaituni had completed her shift on September 17 and was told to return alone the next day—despite insisting the workload required more than one person. On the evening of September 18, after failing to return home, her daughter received a call from an unknown person stating Zaituni was at Kilimani Police Station. By September 20, the family was informed she had died.

“Are our mothers really safe? They wake up in the morning, go and hustle only to be killed. If indeed she stole the money in question, why didn't they bring her to the police station and report?” — Protester at the demonstration

An amateur video later surfaced showing Zaituni clinging to the grills of a third-floor balcony at Mpuuga Gardens apartments—fueling widespread skepticism about claims of suicide. Her family, coworkers, and the Kenya National Union of Domestic Workers (KNUDOW) firmly reject the suicide narrative, demanding a transparent and thorough investigation.

Peaceful Demonstration for Justice

On Wednesday, September 24, 2025, KNUDOW organized a peaceful march from Kibera—where Zaituni lived—to Kilimani Police Station, then to the City Mortuary. The demonstrators, accompanied by union officials and family members, carried placards demanding truth, accountability, and dignity for domestic workers.

In an official letter to the Nairobi Regional Police Commander, KNUDOW outlined key demands:

  • Full access to the site where Zaituni’s body was discovered.
  • Disclosure of the exact amount of money allegedly missing and whether any cash was found on her person.
  • An independent postmortem conducted by Chief Government Pathologist Dr. Johnston Oduor.
  • Confirmation from police that this is reportedly the second murder linked to the accused individuals.
  • Stronger legal and institutional protections for domestic workers nationwide.

Kilimani OCPD Patricia Yegon assured protesters that investigations are active and that four individuals are already in custody. “Justice will be served,” she stated. Meanwhile, human rights advocates and labor organizations, including the Centre for Domestic Training and Development, have condemned the incident as a grave violation of worker safety and dignity.

Zaituni Kavaya was a single mother who raised her children alone. Her death is not just a personal tragedy—it is a stark reminder of the vulnerability faced by thousands of domestic workers in Kenya who labor in isolated, unregulated environments with little legal recourse.

As the nation watches, the call grows louder: Domestic workers deserve safety, respect, and justice—just like every other citizen.