This archive report was first published on 9 May 2020.
On May 9, 2020, Ruth Matete finally received the news she had been waiting for - the family of her late husband Beloved John had given her permission to bury him.
Beloved John, a Nigerian national, tragically passed away due to severe burn wounds sustained in a cylinder accident at their home. An autopsy report revealed that he had suffered over 60% burns and sepsis, which ultimately led to his death.
After his passing, Ruth faced immense turmoil as the Nigerian Embassy initially refused to allow her to bury him. This led to widespread speculation and rumors, with some even suggesting that she might have been involved in his death.
However, in a heartwarming turn of events, the family of Beloved John sent a letter to the Nigerian Embassy in Kenya on April 29, granting Ruth permission to bury her husband. The letter read:
“WITH REGARDS TO THE DEATH OF OUR SON, JOHN APEWAJOYE, WE REQUEST THAT THE CORPSE SHOULD BE BURIED BY HIS KENYAN WIFE WITHOUT FURTHER DELAY FOR HIS SOUL TO BE AT PEACE. ALL AUTOPSY RESULTS DULY ACCEPTED.”
By allowing Ruth to bury her husband, the family has not only given her dignity back but also proven that they accept her as one of their own. They have also dispelled rumors of foul play, trusting Ruth to give their son a proper sendoff.
