Family Raising Funds to Bring Father's Body Home to Kenya After Death in Seattle

Nahashon Kamau Wanyoike's body was found in Green Lake last week after he had been missing for two weeks.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 1:07pm

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The family of Nahashon Kamau Wanyoike, known as 'Kamaa,' is raising money to bring his body back to Kenya after his body was found in Seattle's Green Lake. Wanyoike's loved ones describe him as a generous, hard-working man who cared for people with disabilities, but they are still struggling to understand the circumstances around his death as the investigation continues.

Why it matters

Wanyoike's death has left his family and community in Seattle heartbroken, and they are now faced with the difficult task of repatriating his remains to his home country of Kenya, where he wished to be laid to rest. This story highlights the challenges immigrant families can face when a loved one passes away far from their homeland.

The details

Wanyoike's body was found in Green Lake last week, after his family said he had been missing for around two weeks. The investigation into his death is still ongoing, and his family is awaiting the results of an autopsy report. Loved ones describe Wanyoike as a 'generous' and 'hard-working' person who cared for people with disabilities, and they believe mental health may have played a role in his death.

  • Wanyoike's body was found in Green Lake last week.
  • Wanyoike had been missing for around two weeks before his body was discovered.

The players

Nahashon Kamau Wanyoike

Also known as 'Kamaa,' he was a loved family member, friend, and caregiver for people with disabilities.

Malika Simon

Wanyoike's sister, who said he was 'very loved.'

Mary Ndugo

Wanyoike's sister-in-law, who described him as 'one of the funniest people I ever met.'

Peter Kithene

A family friend who said Wanyoike was 'always reaching out to other people' and 'taking care of people.'

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What they’re saying

“He was very loved.”

— Malika Simon, Wanyoike's sister

“He was honestly one of the funniest people I ever met.”

— Mary Ndugo, Wanyoike's sister-in-law

“Always reaching out to other people. Taking care of people.”

— Peter Kithene, Family friend

What’s next

The family is awaiting the results of an autopsy report to learn more about the circumstances surrounding Wanyoike's death. They are also continuing to raise funds to bring his body back to Kenya, where he wished to be laid to rest.

The takeaway

Wanyoike's tragic death has left his family and community devastated, highlighting the challenges immigrant families can face when a loved one passes away far from their homeland. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and support, especially for men who may be struggling.