This archive report was first published on 12 July 2021.
On a Sunday in 2021, Paul Chemng'ok, a 77-year-old man from Uasin Gishu County, left his family with no choice but to follow his wishes for an unconventional burial ceremony.
According to his younger brother, Serem Kispsaina, Chemng'ok had stated his final wishes just days before his death, which included being buried without a coffin, with no preaching, and no eulogy.
As seen in the photo, Chemng'ok was buried at his home in Kipkenyo, covered only with cowhide, as per his will.
Chemng'ok, who was born in 1944 and grew up in Senetwet village in Nandi County, did not believe in any religion, but his burial was conducted in accordance with Nandi cultural burial rights, with his body facing east and his head facing his right-hand side.
His brother, Serem, explained that Chemng'ok's wishes were followed, even though it meant breaking many customs and traditions.
“Before he died, he reminded us of how he wanted to be buried,” Serem said. “He insisted that there should be no eulogies at the burial, no preaching, and that his body be covered with the hide of the bull that would be slaughtered after his death. He wrote all this in a will, and we did exactly as he wished.”
