Nairobi Body Collector Driven by Uncommon Love for the Dead
Kyalo Wambua, 27, has become a familiar figure at Nairobi’s Kware dumpsite, where he has been leading the retrieval of bodies, driven by an unusual passion. Unlike many, Wambua feels a deep connection to the deceased, a motivation that has kept him dedicated to this grim task even before the recent spate of killings drew media attention.
Wambua’s dedication began long before the spotlight found him. He recalls retrieving bodies of those who had taken their own lives by leaping into the dumpsite. “The only difference now is the media coverage,” he told the Star.
Since the discovery of multiple bodies last week, Wambua has recovered 13 corpses, often working alone and without the necessary protective gear. Despite the risks, he remains undeterred, driven by a sense of duty and an absence of stigma towards handling the dead.
Trained as a plant operator in 2018 after finishing high school, Wambua has since been eking out a living through various menial jobs. He hasn’t disclosed his grim work to his family in Makueni county, preferring to keep them in the dark about his unique calling.
To protect himself from the bacteria he encounters, Wambua follows a strict hygiene routine, bathing with hot water and Dettol every evening. “I have to ensure I’m safe from the bacteria from the bodies,” he says.
Despite the challenges, Wambua is grateful for the community’s support, receiving monetary contributions as tokens of appreciation. He has faced no threats or harassment, even from the police, and is hopeful for a stable job in his trained field.
“I would be happy to find the job I trained for and earn a decent living,” he says, reflecting a desire for normalcy amidst his extraordinary calling.
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Nairobi Body Collector Driven by Uncommon Love for the Dead
