Human rights journalist Yaekob Yatane found dead in Nairobi amid reports of threats and suspected poisoning

Human rights journalist Yaekob Yatane

Human rights advocate and journalist Yaekob Yatane was found dead at his residence in Nairobi, six days after his death, according to media reports.

Yaekob, who had lived in Kenya for an extended period after going into exile, was known for his reporting on governance issues and alleged human rights violations in Ethiopia’s Konso region.

He contributed to outlets including Zara Media and Addis Standard and remained active on social media platforms, where he continued publishing critical commentary.

The circumstances surrounding the death were not clear.

Sources close to the journalist told Meseret Media that he had repeatedly expressed fear for his safety in the months leading up to his death, alleging that he was being followed and placed under surveillance.

“He told me he was being followed, especially by individuals linked to the government. He expressed concern that he was under surveillance. At one point, he even sent me a screenshot,” one source was quoted as saying, sharing alleged evidence with the outlet.

Meseret Media reported that an international journalist rights organization has since launched an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding his death.

Earlier reports by WT Media suggest that preliminary medical findings point to possible poisoning and physical assault. The outlet also reported that Yaekob had previously alerted Kenyan authorities about threats to his life but did not receive adequate protection.

A preliminary autopsy conducted at Nairobi City Mortuary reportedly indicated that the cause of death was Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC), a serious medical condition often associated with severe infection or toxic exposure.

Medical findings further reportedly noted bleeding under the scalp (parietal scalp contusion) and hemorrhaging in both lungs.

Yaekob Yatane was originally from the Konso community and had a background in journalism, academia, and development work. He previously served as an editor and reporter for Ethiopian Television’s English-language programming, worked as a university lecturer and researcher, and held senior positions in several non-governmental organizations.

Investigations into the circumstances surrounding his death are ongoing.