National Assembly is set to conduct a probe into public health concerns at Lang’ata Cemetery in Nairobi.
A motion by Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor notes that the 100-acre cemetery was declared full 20 years ago but the matter has been left unaddressed, posing significant health risks to the public.
“This situation has led to overcrowding and double-allocation of burial sites with bodies being buried in shallow graves leading to frequent uncovering by wild animals from the nearby national park,” the Motion reads.
Odiwuor said the situation has caused untold anguish, pain and suffering to bereaved families and psychological torment to the neighbouring community.
The lawmaker wants the House to urge the national government through the Ministry of Health to urgently conduct an assessment of the public health risks posed by the continued use of the Cemetery.
Even after the cemetery was declared full, bodies continue to arrive every day for burial.
There have been reports that, sometimes, it is not even possible to bury the bodies the requisite six feet under.
Langata cemetery is divided between a “permanent” and “temporary” section.
Plots in the permanent section range can be “cemented in” to thwart grave robbers.
So a large number of Nairobi residents choose to bury their family members in a temporary grave.
Graves here are flattened every five years, maybe less, to make room for more bodies.
No records are kept in the temporary section and families are not allowed to visit after the burial.
