Where poor mourners are burying kin in sacks

Njeru Ndiga's grave in Tebere, Mwea, Kirinyaga County. [Timothy Kariuki, Standard]

It the African tradition, departed loved ones are given a respectable send-off. Where possible, they are neatly clad and put in coffins, some costly and creatively made.

It is called last respects. However, in Ndindiruku village in Tebere Mwea, Kirinyaga County, this has not been the case.

Villagers here have been burying their kin in sacks blaming it on poverty. Locals say they lack money to offer their kin a decent send-off.

Mr Alexander Nzomo, a resident, says burying the dead in sacks has helped them reduce expenses during the harsh economic times.

"What buy a sack at Sh50 and we usually do not need a church service. The burial only takes a maximum of 20 minutes," said Nzomo.

In yesterday's bizarre incident, Njeru Ndiga, 30, was to be buried in a sack before Tebere MCA-elect Peter Karinga got wind of the matter. He bought a coffin.

"It is normal for those who have not joined village burial welfare groups to be buried in sacks. A few days ago, it took me 10 minutes to bury one Mzee Mutisya after his family failed to meet burial expenses," Nzomo said.

In the most recent case, Ndiga had not joined any burial welfare group and his family couldn't meet the burial expenses.

"We must remember the dead and their families when they may not afford to light a candle to say a prayer for departed souls," Karinga said.

Karinga called upon the villagers to do away with burials in sacks. He urged local burial welfare officials to encourage youths to join. He said the dead should be handled with dignity.

When Ndiga was sick, his family could not take him to the hospital. When he died in his house, the family readily purchased a sack for his burial.

"We are also encouraging people to register with NHIF," said the MCA.

Local religious leaders led by David Ngugi of Akorino church encouraged residents to dispose of bodies with respect.