This archive report was first published on 9 August 2019.
On August 9, 2019, a heated dispute erupted at Narok Referral Hospital between two groups of mourners over the cost of a coffin for their deceased leader, Paul Ouma.
According to the mourners, they had contributed Sh22,000 to buy a coffin for Mr. Ouma, who was the Narok County Luo community chairperson until his death.
However, the group claimed that Mr. Ouma's friends in Rachuonyo, led by Moses Owiga, had bought a coffin that 'does not befit the status of Mr. Ouma' for Sh8,000, which they believed was a misappropriation of funds.
The aggrieved party marched to the morgue, demanding a refund of their contributions or a new, more expensive coffin.
Joseph Orieko, the chairperson of the harambee committee, produced receipts to prove that the contested casket had been bought at Sh25,000, not Sh8,000.
As a result, Mr. Ouma's family and the committee were forced to return the casket and purchase a new, fancier one for Sh28,000.
Mr. Ouma's body was subsequently released from the morgue and taken to Rachuonyo in Homa Bay County for burial.
