This archive report was first published on 17 July 2020.
At 38, Pastor Samuel Thairu is an unlikely figure in the mortuary. Yet, he has made a career out of handling the dead with dignity, a role that complements his work as a pastor at the Kenya Assemblies of God Church in Ol Kalou town.
Thairu's day begins at the JM Memorial Ol Kalou Hospital mortuary in Nyandarua County, where he dons a green uniform, hand gloves, and white gumboots to receive and clean bodies, ensuring they are correctly and properly labelled for easy identification and preservation.
But every Sunday, Thairu trades his mortician's attire for a pastor's robe, where he ministers to his congregation, winning souls for heaven.
Thairu's unique profession has sparked curiosity, with many wondering how he balances his dual roles. 'This is what I usually do when I am not working or while waiting for some work to do. The word of God gives me motivation to work and handle my work with ease,' he said.
Thairu's journey into mortuary work began when he was working as a casual at the Nyahururu County Referral Hospital. He applied for a position at the mortuary department after a vacancy was announced, despite initial fears and challenges handling the dead.
Thairu's parents and family supported his decision, and he has never abused drugs or alcohol, contrary to some people's beliefs about morticians.
As a man of God, Thairu fills a gap at the morgue, consoling bereaved families when they come to pick the body for burial. He prays for his work every morning, asking God to protect His people, give them long lives, and grant them strength and serenity in case they lose a loved one.
Thairu has challenged fellow pastors to not only depend on offerings and tithes from their faithful but also to work hard and earn their own sweat.
