This archive report was first published on 22 September 2019.
The burial of Tob Cohen, a Dutch businessman whose body was discovered in a septic tank in his compound, will take place at a Jewish cemetery in Nairobi. The ceremony, scheduled for tomorrow, will be a private family affair, with only a few family members in attendance.
According to Jewish customs, the family members will make a ritualistic tear on their outer garments before the ceremony begins. The tear is a sign of mourning and is typically made on the right side of the garment for siblings and on the left side for parents.
The service will begin with prayers and biblical passages, followed by the reading of the eulogy. The casket will then be taken to the graveside, where the mourners will chant prayers before the body is laid to rest.
It is unclear if Sarah Wairimu, Cohen's widow, will attend the burial. Her application to witness the final send-off was to be heard tomorrow morning, but the court's decision has not been made public.
As per an agreement issued last week, the burial ceremony will be private and for family members only. Sarah and Gabrielle will participate as widow and sister respectively.
Published on September 22, 2019, in The Standard.
