This archive report was first published on 14 May 2020.
On May 14, 2020, a report highlighted the quiet burials of Kenya's prominent figures, a stark contrast to the elaborate funerals often associated with the wealthy.
When a rich person dies, their funeral is often a grand celebration of life, attended by people from all walks of life. However, for some of Kenya's prominent individuals, their burials were shrouded in secrecy, with only a handful of people in attendance.
Below are the most notable examples of quiet burials of Kenya's prominent people.
1. Ken Okoth ¶
Ken Okoth, the former Kibra Member of Parliament, passed away in July 2019 after a long battle with cancer. Despite his popularity among his constituents, his burial was a private affair, with only a few people in attendance.
Okoth was cremated at Kariokor, as per his wishes, in a ceremony that was attended by close family members and a few friends.
2. Mwangi Mathai ¶
Mwangi Mathai, a former MP for Lang'ata constituency, died in September 2019. The cause of his death was kept private, but a close source revealed that he was cremated as per his wishes.
The cremation was attended by close family members, and a memorial service was later held to celebrate his life.
3. Tecra Muigai ¶
Tecra Muigai, the daughter of Keroche Breweries' Chairman, Joseph Karanja, and CEO, Tabitha Karanja, will be buried in Naivasha in a private family ceremony. Due to COVID-19 directives, the burial will be attended by only a handful of people.
For a woman who was known for her lavish lifestyle, her final journey will be a stark contrast, with only her family in attendance.
4. Ken Walibora ¶
Ken Walibora, the author of 'Siku Njema', was buried last month at his home in Trans Nzoia County, with less than 25 people in attendance. The ceremony lasted only 47 minutes, a stark contrast to the elaborate funerals often associated with the wealthy.
Walibora died after suffering injuries in an alleged hit-and-run accident.
5. Wilfred Murungi ¶
Wilfred Murungi, the founder and chairman of Mastermind Tobacco Kenya Limited, was a millionaire, but his burial was attended by only a handful of close relatives. The ceremony was by invitation only, and some relatives who had not been invited were turned away.
According to a relative, only 20 people were expected at the brief ceremony, and that was the exact number of chairs arranged at the tent where the ceremony took place.
