This archive report was first published on 3 July 2019.
Kenya has seen a growing trend of cremation among its wealthy and prominent citizens, with many opting out of traditional burial ceremonies.
Former Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore, who was cremated on Tuesday, joins a list of notable individuals who have chosen cremation over traditional burial.
Here are nine prominent figures who have opted for cremation:
1. Jeremiah Kiereini ¶
Former Head of Civil Service Jeremiah Kiereini was cremated in March 2019 at a private family function, in accordance with his wishes.
2. Wangari Maathai ¶
Nobel laureate Wangari Maathai was cremated in 2011 in a private ceremony at the Kariokor Crematorium, following an agreement between her family and the government.
Her remains were later interred at the Wangari Maathai Institute for Peace and Environmental Studies, in accordance with her wishes.
3. Kenneth Matiba ¶
Pro-democracy icon Kenneth Matiba was cremated in April 2018 at the Lang'ata Crematorium, in line with his wishes.
4. John Macharia ¶
The son of Royal Media Services founder SK Macharia, John Macharia, was cremated in April 2018, just days after Kenneth Matiba's cremation.
His body was cremated ahead of a funeral service held at their home in Ndakaini village, Murang'a County.
5. Joshua Okuthe and Ruth Florence Okuthe ¶
Former sports administrator Joshua Okuthe was cremated in July 2009 at Kariokor Cemetery, in accordance with his wishes.
His first wife, Ruth Florence Okuthe, was cremated four days after his death, and their family later buried an empty coffin behind his bedroom in Tamu, Muhoroni District, in a mock funeral.
6. Peter Habenga Okondo ¶
Kanu era Cabinet Minister Peter Okondo was cremated in 1996, causing divisions between his family and his Banyala clan.
Busloads of villagers arrived in Nairobi, only to learn that his white wife had cremated his body.
7. Peter Njiru ¶
Two-time Africa Classic professional golf champion Peter Njiru was cremated at the Kariokor Crematorium in 2015, following his death at the Nazareth Hospital.
8. Manasses Kuria and Mary Kuria ¶
Former Anglican Archbishop Manasses Kuria's cremation stoked debate within the church in 2005, as his family said it was in keeping with his will.
His wife, Mary Kuria, had also been cremated at the Lang'ata Crematorium two days after her death in 2002.
9. Jane Kiano ¶
Former Chairperson of the Maendeleo ya Wanawake organisation, Jane Kiano, was cremated on October 27, 2018, at the Kariokor crematorium, two days after her death.
She died at 74 years old, after a long battle with lung cancer.
