The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection has responded with urgency to the tragic death of domestic worker Zaituni Kavayo, condemning the incident and calling for comprehensive reforms to protect vulnerable workers.
In a statement issued on Thursday, September 25, the Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection expressed deep concern over the circumstances surrounding Kavayo's death and announced immediate measures to address workplace safety for domestic workers across the country.
"I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the late Ms. Zaitun. This is a heartbreaking incident that is reflective of a persisting culture of discrimination, exploitation, and violation of the rights of low-ranking workers in our society," the statement read.
The CS confirmed that the ministry views Kavayo's death as emblematic of broader systemic issues affecting domestic workers across Kenya.
The government strongly condemned the treatment that led to Kavayo's death, emphasizing the fundamental human rights violations involved.
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"It deprives them of their human dignity and is both unlawful and unacceptable and must come to an end," the ministry added.
In addressing the specific circumstances of Kavayo's case, the ministry outlined its collaborative approach with law enforcement agencies.
"The Ministry strongly condemns all forms of harassment and violence in workplaces and wants to affirm that investigations into the circumstances surrounding Ms. Zaituni's death are underway to ensure that those culpable of the heinous act are brought to justice," the statement noted.
The CS confirmed that the ministry is working closely with investigative agencies to ensure thorough prosecution of those responsible.
"The Ministry is working closely with the National Police Service and the Directorate of Criminal Investigation to ensure that thorough investigations are carried out, and that justice is served without delay," the ministry stated.
The government's swift response follows the mysterious death of 54-year-old Zaituni Kavayo, a resident of Kibera who worked as a domestic cleaner, under circumstances that have raised serious questions about the treatment of household workers in Kenya.
Kavayo had been engaged for laundry services at a residential building on Mpunga Road in Kilimani when the fatal incident occurred on what should have been a routine workday.
Law enforcement agencies have since detained five individuals of Sudanese nationality in connection with her death, as investigations continue into the exact circumstances that led to the tragedy.
According to family members, Kavayo had left home in good health that morning, expecting to complete her work and return safely to her family in Kibera.
Court documents presented during detention hearings for the suspects reveal allegations of a dispute over missing money that may have preceded Kavayo's death.
Defense attorneys claim that the household's son accused Kavayo of taking cash from clothing she had washed, leading to her being recalled to the premises after she had already left for the day.
However, the family disputes this narrative, pointing out that Kavayo's personal effects recovered by investigators contained only a small amount of money, suggesting she was not involved in any theft.
Results from Nairobi City Mortuary confirmed that Kavayo died from multiple injuries consistent with blunt force trauma, contradicting initial suggestions that she died from a simple fall.
