A family in Machakos county has been living in agony as the body of a relative has been at a morgue for more than three years, following a feud over the burial site.
Beatrice Kathumba’s body is at a private funeral home in Machakos town. Her family and two stepdaughters are feuding. Beatrice died on July 4, 2014 at the age of 89.
The funeral has been aborted three times after court orders were obtained by the stepdaughters opposed to her burial in Mathunya village, Mitaboni, Kathiani subcounty.
Beatrice was married to John Kathumba, who died in 1989. They did not have children together.
John had another wife, Esther Nzola, with whom he had children. Nzola died in 2009.
Before her death, Beatrice lived in Embakasi, Nairobi, and she and John jointly owned 49 acres.
The land appears to be the centre of the burial row.
Yesterday, Beatrice’s family spokesperson Saifa Mutei appealed to Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua to intervene.
“We believe Governor Mutua has the capacity to resolve the matter,” he said.
Mutei said investigations should be conducted.
He said Beatrice’s stepdaughters gave the police false information that she went missing in 2010.
Family friend Dickson Wambua, who lived with Beatrice as an aide for over 15 years, said the dispute has taken a toll on her family members.
“These court orders are unnecessary and are a pain to the family,” he said.Wambua said senior police officers colluded with some individuals to frustrate the burial plans.
“We also petition police boss Joseph Boinnet to come to our aid,” he said. When journalists visited Beatrice’s home, they found the grave still intact and covered using iron sheets.
Wambua said Beatrice had granted him the power of attorney to manage her property.