Police in Kenya have arrested six people in connection with the disappearance and death of Caroline Mwatha Ochieng, a prominent human rights activist who was reported missing on February 9.

Mwatha’s body was found on Tuesday at the city morgue in Nairobi, where she had been since last Thursday although under a different name listed as Carol Mbeki. George Kinoti, Kenya’s Director of Criminal Investigations, said Mwatha died during an abortion procedure at a clinic in the New Njiru Community Center in Dandora – the same part of Nairobi where Mwatha co-founded her justice center.

“DCI officers launched investigations and it was established that Caroline was in constant communication with one Alexander Gitau Gikonya,” said the Kinoti statement. Mwatha, married to a different man, was five months pregnant and the messages with Gikonya discussed abortion plans.

Gikonya, who police say arranged for payment for the procedure, is among the six people arrested. They also include Betty Akinyi Nyanya, the owner of the clinic; her son, Richard Ramoya Abudo; and Michael “Dr. Mike” Onchiri, who police say was responsible for the botched procedure alongside Nyanya.

Also arrested were Georgia Tabitha, whose connection to the case was not specified, and Stephen Maina, an Uber driver. While Ochieng is believed to have died at the clinic, she was transferred to the mortuary by vehicle.

“We appeal for patience as we continue with the investigations,” said Kinoti as he extended condolences to the family.

Abortions in Kenya are legal only in cases where a medical professional determines a risk to the life or health of the woman and in emergency situations.

Image: Dandora Community Justice Center