There was drama at Narok Referral Hospital mortuary after mourners clashed over the cost and the type of casket a section of the committee entrusted with the burial arrangement had bought for a prominent Luo elder.
A section of the mourners rejected the newly bought casket claiming that part of cash allocated for the purchase a decent burial for the Chairman of the Luo community in Narok Paul Ouma was allegedly misappropriated.
The opposing members allegedly commandeered the funeral procession back after reaching Narok town which is situated just few kilometres from the morgue. The antagonists were claiming that the casket brought by Moses Owiga of Rachuonyo home welfare was cheaper and substandard as had earlier been agreed on.
The irate members then led the procession back to the morgue demanding a refund of the cash or new casket worth Sh 22,000 be bought claiming that the one presented was worth Sh 8,000 .
However, the chairman Joseph Oreko cleared the air showing relevant cost receipts saying it was unfortunate the drama had unfolded due to a seemingly low quality casket which cost Sh 25, 000 but family and his (Oreko`s) committee agreed to settle on a bigger one costing Sh 28,000.
Oreko condemned the opposing group for disrespecting a former chairman by raising false accusations during his burial preparations.
The procession then left peacefully for Rachuonyo village where the remains of their late chairman will be interred. He died two weeks ago after a short illness.
Kenyans spend hundreds of millions annually in funeral arrangements, expenditure that sometimes end up leaving bereaved families economically drained. This is because in African culture, the dead are revered and a decent burial also gives the family psychological satisfaction in their grieving.
By Mabel Keya – Shikuku
