This archive report was first published on 5 June 2020.
Published on June 5, 2020, a time when the phrase 'kazi ni kazi' resonated deeply with many, especially those in the entertainment industry.
For some Kenyan celebrities, working in mortuaries was a harsh reality they had to face before becoming famous.
Eric Njoka, a K24 news anchor, revealed that he worked as a morgue attendant at his family's mortuary business, Mukoe Funeral Home, in Githunguri, Kiambu county.
The business has been operational for over 15 years.
Speaking about his experience, Njoka said, 'Seeing the shape in which some of the bodies were in gave me nightmares and left me distraught. But I eventually overcame it.'
He added, 'At the end of the day, I had to be at my 'A' game and not show the bereaved that I was disgusted or scared of treating their fallen loved ones. Yes, I have another career, but I also like being a mortician because I am doing something extraordinary. Not everyone can do it.'
Another celebrity who worked in a mortuary is Gengetone musician, Miracle Baby, who narrated his struggles before fame and money.
Among the odd jobs he did to survive is being a mortuary attendant, where he washed dead bodies.
King Kafu, a host at Ghetto Radio, also worked in a morgue indirectly by making coffins for the deceased at Nairobi City Mortuary.
