This archive report was first published on 8 August 2020.
The burial of University of Nairobi lecturer Ken Ouko was marked by controversy and hitches that might have contributed to his delayed burial, his family said.
Ken Ouko's uncle, Dr Sam Ouko, the Chief pharmacist at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (Kemri), said it took his intervention for Mrs Grace Ouko to be allowed to bury her husband.
Dr Ouko blamed the Homa Bay County Covid-19 emergency response team, accusing it of failing to follow stipulated regulations and attempting to deny the family an opportunity to bury the renowned sociology lecturer.
“In line with government restrictions on how to bury Covid-19 victims, we encountered many difficulties in having the body buried after 48 hours and ensuring his widow and children gave their loved one a befitting send off,” he said at the don’s home in Nyandiwa, Homa Bay.
On August 7, 2020, Grace Ouko, widow of University of Nairobi lecturer Ken Ouko, speaks during his burial ceremony at their home in Nyandiwa, Homa Bay County. PHOTO | TONNY OMONDI | NATION MEDIA GROUP
Ken Ouko’s father, 89-year-old Caleb Ouko, blamed the confusion ahead of his burial on conflicting information from Homa Bay County officials.
“At one time we were told it was risky for the family to visit the home while the next time they said it was ok,” he said.
People dressed in personal protective equipment are pictured in Nyandiwa, Homa Bay County, on August 7, 2020 during the burial ceremony for University of Nairobi lecturer Ken Ouko. PHOTO | TONNY OMONDI | NATION MEDIA GROUP
Ken Ouko was buried at the family graveyard next to his mother and brother.
