One body, two graves, sheep for former OCPD

A new grave has been prepared for former Embu Officer Commanding Police Division Nathan Nyange Mwangemi who died last year. Elders had rejected the one prepared in May last year when he passed on.

The old grave remained unused for a year because the body was lying at the Pandya Memorial hospital's mortuary due to a protracted legal dispute between family members. The burial in a new grave will be held on Saturday after the family resolved the legal tussle.

Elders and family members said tradition dictates that the old grave must not be used for burial as it can bring bad omen to the family.

"It is a must that the old grave has to be back filled first and a banana tree planted before the new one is built in line with the Taita culture," said Juma KIchucha, an elder. A sheep will also be slaughtered to cleanse the grave side.

Catherine Mwangemi, the deceased's cousin said yesterday the family held a meeting and agreed that a new grave has to be constructed. On Thursday, the body of the deceased was transferred to Wesu Sub County Hospital in Taita-Taveta County for burial.

A close relative of Mwangemi's who declined to be named said the government had paid over Sh850,000 while the family deposited a title deed of their farm valued at over Sh 320,000 for the body's release.

"The family is meeting today (yesterday) to plan for the burial ceremony next Saturday. We will raise funds later to clear with the hospital authorities so as to get back the title deed," said Mwangemi's cousin.