Covid-19: Family forced by police to bury body at midnight

The family was planning a night vigil on Wednesday. [Courtesy]

Security officers forced a family to bury the body of a woman at midnight in Homa Bay County while enforcing Covid-19 protocols.

The family was planning a night vigil on Wednesday for the body of Mary Atieno when security officers moved in.

Mary’s body had been taken from a mortuary in Rongo Sub-county and the burial was slated for yesterday midday.

On Wednesday evening, security officers led by Boya Sub-location Assistant Chief Milton Kawino got a tip-off that the family had planned night vigil.

Kawino, who was accompanied by police officers, stormed the homestead during the night vigil and forced the family to bury the body.

The assistant chief said they had to enforce Ministry of Health Covid-19 protocols which require that a body must be buried the same day it has been removed from a mortuary.

Kawino said they gave the family two options; to return the body to the mortuary or bury it immediately.

“The family opted for the burial. We have to observe Covid-19 protocols to ensure people are protected,” the administrator said.