Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

A newly built mortuary in Baringo South has been left desolate after unknown people broke in and made away with essential fittings, including body trays and electric wires.

As per officials at the facility, the equipment are meant to power the facility's cold storage system.

The incident, which occurred at the Marigat Sub-county Hospital mortuary, has sparked public outrage and drawn sharp condemnation from local leaders, residents, and cultural elders.

Constructed with the intention of offering bereaved families a dignified and accessible place to preserve the bodies of their loved ones, the facility was the first of its kind in Baringo South.

It was fitted with a cold room capable of holding up to eight bodies, meant to serve communities from Tiaty to the greater Marigat area.

"This room had been fully constructed and even fitted with a cold room for preserving up to eight bodies. But just as we were preparing for it to begin operations, a theft occurred. The trays used to place bodies in the mortuary fridge were stolen," said Maganga Musango, the Public Health Officer overseeing the area.

As a result, grieving families now have to transport bodies to distant facilities in Kabarnet, Eldama Ravine, or even Nakuru, sometimes over 150 kilometres away.

It’s a logistical and emotional burden that has left many frustrated, as police launch investigations into the incident.

In the wake of the incident, community members and leaders have blamed the rising demand for scrap metal as the likely motive behind the theft.

Local elders have called for a total ban on the scrap metal trade in Baringo, saying it is fueling a wave of vandalism targeting public property.

"This was supposed to ease our burden, not add to our suffering. We urge the government to act decisively before more public services are lost," said an elder.

Assistant County Commissioner Fredrick Okoth was equally candid, warning that the government would no longer tolerate such acts.

"We cannot afford to plead with criminals who, instead of protecting the development initiatives brought by the government to benefit the public, choose to come and destroy them. As the government, we will not allow this," he stated.

Elsewhere, a mortuary attendant became a social media sensation after a video captured him politely knocking on each cubicle door before opening it; he explained it was out of respect for the deceased.

Netizens applauded the gesture, with one comment observing, “A sign of respecting the deceased… same way you knock before entering a room”

Others saw it as a culturally rooted ritual, emphasising deference and spiritual caution.

Source: TUKO.co.ke