Burial permits are a critical control measure, particularly in cases where the cause of death may be unclear or suspicious.
An assistant chief in Kitui county has been charged after allegedly issuing a burial permit without first obtaining a medical certificate confirming the cause of death.
Detectives from Tseikuru subcounty working on the case said this amounted to neglect of official duty.
The officers arrested the administrator following reports that the permit was issued in violation of established procedures governing death registration and burials.
Such procedures require confirmation by a qualified medical practitioner to establish the cause of death before any burial authorisation is granted.
According to investigators, the failure to secure a medical death confirmation certificate undermined legal safeguards meant to protect public health, ensure accountability and prevent concealment of possible criminal activity.
"Such oversight is a serious violation of protocol that ensures public safety and compliance with legal standards," the agency said in a statement.
Burial permits are a critical control measure, particularly in cases where the cause of death may be unclear or suspicious.
Following investigations, the case file was forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
After reviewing the evidence, the DPP approved charges of neglect of official duty, contrary to Section 128 as read with Section 36 of the Penal Code.
The assistant chief was subsequently arraigned before the Kyuso Law Court, where he pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The court granted the accused bail of Sh70,000 pending further proceedings. The case is scheduled for mention on January 7, 2026.
The case underscores the importance of strict adherence to administrative and legal protocols by government officers, particularly those at the grassroots level who play a key role in civil documentation.
Any deviation, investigators noted, can have far-reaching implications, including the obstruction of justice and risks to public safety.
The case brings into perspective select incidences where people commit murder and in a bid to conceal their heinous crimes, proceed to bury their victims in shallo graves.
The National Government Administration has in recent years reiterated guidelines requiring chiefs and assistant chiefs to verify all supporting documentation before issuing burial permits, especially in cases occurring outside health facilities.
In Kenya, getting a burial permit involves registering the death first, usually at a Huduma Centre, hospital or via eCitizen, requiring the medical certificate/report and IDs.
The area assistant chief then issues the permit instantly or within days, allowing for legal body disposal.
The process is streamlined through the Civil Registration Department and aims for quick, nil-cost issuance for basic permits.
