A grieving family in Njogu-ini village, Kagumo, Kirinyaga Central, was left in anguish on Wednesday after the sudden cancellation of the burial of 21-year-old Peter Macharia, a young man fatally shot during the recent Saba Saba protests.
The burial, which had been scheduled for Thursday, was abruptly called off after a government pathologist failed to show up at the Kerugoya County Referral Hospital Mortuary to conduct a mandatory postmortem examination a requirement before the body could be released for interment.
The last-minute disruption sparked frustration and emotional distress among family members, local leaders, and mourners who had already gathered in anticipation of the ceremony.
Family spokesperson Hezekiah Kang’ethe expressed the family’s disappointment, describing the cancellation as a severe emotional blow.
“We were fully prepared for Peter’s burial tomorrow. This cancellation has caused immense emotional and logistical distress,” Kang’ethe said, speaking to reporters at the mortuary.
According to the family, all burial arrangements had been finalized from the preparation of the grave to the arrival of relatives from across the country.
Community members, including local women’s groups, had also cooked food for mourners in anticipation of a large turnout.
Peter’s mother, Margaret Wainoi, was visibly shaken as she spoke to the press.
“Mourners were expected from far and wide. Now we are left wondering whether we will have to keep the grave open for days,” she said through tears.
Peter Macharia was reportedly shot on July 7, during the Saba Saba demonstrations, while picking tea near his home.
According to eyewitnesses, he was unarmed and not participating in the protest.
He was initially treated at a nearby dispensary before being transferred to Kerugoya Level Five Hospital, where he later succumbed to gunshot wounds.
His death has sparked calls for accountability, with family members and local leaders demanding justice for what they term as an unjustified killing.
Mutira Ward MCA David Kinyua Wangui, a relative of the deceased, criticized the government for what he called “gross negligence.”
“All preparations were in place the grave was dug last night, and now everything has gone to waste. This is a huge disappointment to the family,” said Wangui.
Kirinyaga Nominated MCA Bosco Gichangi echoed these sentiments, demanding that the officer responsible for the shooting be held accountable.
“This was an unarmed youth simply going about his work. We demand that the officer responsible be identified, arrested, and charged,” said Gichangi.
As of Wednesday evening, there had been no official statement from government authorities regarding the pathologist’s failure to attend or any update on when the postmortem would be conducted.
The family has urged the Ministry of Health and the Kenya Police Service to act swiftly so that Peter can be laid to rest with dignity and justice can begin to take its course.
Meanwhile, the open grave in Njogu-ini village remains a stark symbol of grief, frustration, and a family’s search for closure.
