This archive report was first published on 4 August 2019.
Ken Okoth, the Kibra MP, died of colorectal cancer on July 5, 2019. His final exit was shrouded in mystery, with a cremation that sparked controversy and disappointment among his family and community.
According to eyewitnesses, police officers were stationed at the Lee Funeral home in Nairobi, preventing journalists from accessing the facility where Okoth's remains were supposed to be kept. The officers claimed that the family had collected the body in the wee hours of the morning, but it was later revealed that the cremation had taken place at the Kariokor crematorium.
Area MCA Godfrey Anyango expressed disappointment at the cremation, stating that it was not in line with their cultural beliefs. 'Nobody in this area supported cremation. That is why residents wanted to bury him forcefully,' he said.
Meanwhile, a group of relatives from Kabondo Kasipul had planned to give Okoth a traditional send-off, but their plans were foiled when they were informed that the cremation had already taken place. They had even hatched a plan to hijack the body and forcefully bury it, as they believed that cremation would interfere with Okoth's spirit.
Okoth's family, however, maintained that the cremation was in line with his wishes. Edwin Sifuna, the family spokesman, said that the event had been attended by family and close friends, and that it had been conducted according to Okoth's wishes.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga also confirmed that the MP's remains had been cremated, stating that it had been done according to Okoth's wishes.
Insiders at the crematorium revealed that the family had arrived at the facility at around 6am, despite the official opening time being 8am. It is not clear how the crematorium allowed the family to conduct the rites before the official opening time.
The controversy surrounding Okoth's final exit has left many questions unanswered, including why the family had been giving conflicting information on the plans and why some family members were not aware of the cremation.
