A family in Kagumo, Kirinyaga Central, has been left devastated following the cancellation of the burial of 21-year-old Peter Macharia, who died during the Saba Saba protests.
This was after a government pathologist failed to appear at the Kerugoya County Referral Hospital Mortuary to conduct a mandatory postmortem examination.
The funeral was scheduled to take place on Thursday, July 17, 2025.
Family Spokesperson Hezekiah Kang’ethe said that the sudden postponment had deepened the family’s sorrow and prolonged their emotional distress.
“We were fully prepared for Peter’s burial tomorrow. This cancellation has caused immense emotional and logistical distress”, Kang’ethe said.
Peter’s mother, Margaret Wainoi said that the women from the Local Welfare groups have already prepared food for the planned burial ceremony.
“Mourners were expected from far and wide. Now we are left wondering whether we will have to keep the grave open for days”, the mother said.
Mutira Ward MCA David Kinyua Wangui, a relative of the deceased, blamed the government for negligence.
“All arrangements had been finalised. The grave was dug last night, and now it’s all in vain. This is a major blow to the family”, he said.
