The burial of 97-year-old Mzee Clement Nyongesa Sirari on Friday in Kakapel village, Teso North Sub-county, has reignited public outrage over the continued detention of his wife’s body at the Bungoma County Referral Hospital mortuary, where it has remained for 13 years.
Jesca Ateng’e, the deceased wife of Mzee Sirari, has been lying unburied since 2012 due to a land ownership dispute that stalled her burial. The prolonged legal battle delayed her interment while mortuary fees ballooned to an estimated Kshs 3 million.
Clan leaders and local officials, including Imare Clan Chairman Mzee Reuben Osiru, KNUT official and Angurai North MCA aspirant Gerald Ekisa, and Nominated Busia MCA Rose Amoit, condemned the delay and called it a grave injustice.
Speaking during Sirari’s burial, the leaders demanded urgent government intervention. “The family has suffered enough,” said Ekisa. “We urge the state to waive the mortuary charges and allow the family to bury their kin with dignity.”
MCA Rose Amoit echoed the call for justice, urging authorities to fast-track the release of Ateng’e’s remains so she may finally be laid to rest beside her husband.
According to Mzee Osiru, the body remains wrapped in a polythene bag at the hospital morgue. He appealed directly to Chief Justice Martha Koome, asking the judiciary to ensure swift resolution and uphold the family’s right to dignity and closure.
In a bold move, clan leaders issued a two-month ultimatum for the release of the body, warning of undisclosed consequences if their demands are not met.
The incident has sparked national concern over mortuary policies, justice delays, and the emotional toll such prolonged detentions inflict on families.
Written By Rodney Mbua
