A man in Likoni dies in a guest house; his girlfriend is being interrogated. Police in Mombasa say they are looking into the sudden death of a 51-year-old man, Johnson Chaka Nyaya, at a guesthouse in the area. The incident happened on New Year’s Eve 2025, leading into January 1, 2026.
The man has been identified as Johnson Chaka Nyaya. He was with his long-term girlfriend at Joyland Guest House in the Timbwani area of Likoni. According to police reports, the couple first went to Joyland Bar and Restaurant for drinks. They had been there for a while celebrating the new year. Later, they decided to rent a room at the attached guesthouse.
Things took a turn inside the room. The girlfriend told officers that Nyaya started having trouble breathing. He complained of feeling unwell. Then he collapsed. She raised the alarm right away. Staff at the guesthouse called for help, but by the time medics arrived, Nyaya was already dead.
Police from Likoni Sub-County responded quickly. They found the body in the room. No obvious signs of violence were reported at the scene. Officers secured the area and started gathering statements.
The girlfriend was taken to the station for questioning. She has been cooperating so far. Police say they need to understand exactly what happened in those final moments.
Nyaya’s body was moved to the Coast General Hospital mortuary in Mombasa. A post-mortem examination is planned soon. That should help determine the cause of death.
Detectives want to know if it was a natural health issue, like a heart problem, or if something else played a role. Common causes in these cases can include sudden cardiac arrest, especially after drinking.
Family members have started arriving in Mombasa. They are waiting for more details from the police. Some relatives told reporters outside the station that Nyaya seemed healthy before the outing. He had no known serious illnesses, they said. Others mentioned he worked in the area and was known locally.
This kind of incident is not uncommon in Kenya around holidays. People go out to celebrate, have drinks, and rent rooms. Sometimes health emergencies happen.
But police treat each one seriously until they rule out foul play. In Likoni, guesthouses and bars see a lot of visitors during festive periods. New Year’s Eve brings crowds from across Mombasa and beyond.
The girlfriend remains at the police station. Officers are asking her about the evening step by step. What they ate or drank. How Nyaya was feeling earlier. Any arguments or issues. She has not been charged with anything yet. Police describe it as routine questioning to build a clear picture.
Investigators are also checking with the bar and guesthouse staff. They want CCTV footage if available. Receipts from drinks. Anything that shows the timeline. The manager at Joyland confirmed the couple checked in normally. No disturbances were reported until the collapse.
Likoni is a busy suburb south of Mombasa Island. Many people cross the ferry channel to party there. It’s known for beaches, bars, and affordable lodging. But sudden deaths in such places often make local news. Families push for quick answers.
As the investigation moves forward, police have asked the public to avoid speculation. They promise updates once the autopsy results come in. That could take a few days.
For now, the focus is on supporting the family. Nyaya leaves behind relatives who are grieving the unexpected loss. Friends in the area say he was a quiet man who enjoyed simple outings.
Cases like this remind people to watch their health during celebrations. Drinking too much or mixing with other factors can lead to problems. Medical experts often advise moderation, especially for older adults.
Police in Mombasa County handle several similar reports each year. Most turn out to be medical emergencies. A few involve other issues. Here, everything points to a health-related death so far.
The community in Timbwani waits for closure. Once the post-mortem is done, arrangements for burial can begin. Detectives will decide if the girlfriend can go home or if more questions are needed.
