On Wednesday, the public viewing of the late President Mwai Kibaki's body entered its final day, with the former President lying in state at Parliament buildings since Monday, May 25. The State Funeral Service is scheduled to take place on Friday, April 29, at Nyayo National Stadium, followed by burial at his Othaya home on Saturday, April 30.
The Atheists in Kenya Society has called for a ban on public viewing of dead bodies, labeling the practice 'archaic, unhealthy, and defunct.' In a statement, the society's president, Harrison Mumia, emphasized the potential cognitive effects of viewing a body, including false recognitions that can haunt someone later.
According to Mumia, these anomalous experiences can cause people to feel afraid, sad, or unhappy. He argued that there are better ways to treat the dead and find closure, urging Kenyans to consider cremation as an alternative.
As Mumia noted, 'There is need to create awareness of cremation so as to reduce the likelihood of cultural offense.' The society's call for a ban on public viewing comes as the nation pays its respects to the late President Mwai Kibaki.
