This archive report was first published on 23 September 2019.
The burial of Tob Cohen, a Dutch billionaire who was found dead in a septic tank at his Kitisuru home on September 13, 2019, has been postponed until September 24, 2019.
According to sources, the private ceremony, which was to be held at the Jewish cemetery in Nairobi, has been delayed due to the absence of a quorum of priests required for the burial rights.
For a Jewish burial to proceed, at least 10 priests are needed, and the family is currently working to gather the required number.
Despite the postponement, Gabrielle Van Straten, Cohen's sister, had initially planned to attend the burial but has since flown out of the country, leaving the family to finalize the arrangements.
Before his death, Cohen had expressed his desire to be given a Jewish send-off, despite having lived in Kenya for over 30 years.
As per Jewish tradition, the body of Tob Cohen must be ritually cleansed, covered, and prepared for burial according to the Torah.
