The burial of retired teacher Faith Njeri Murigu, aged 76, was abruptly halted at Huduruma Estate, Ngurubani, Mwea, in Kirinyaga, when a swarm of bees sent mourners fleeing.
According to the master of ceremonies, Ngari Muthang’ato, several people were injured, and some had to be rushed to hospitals.
The funeral procession had just come from a service at ACK St. Luke Wang’uru Church.
As they were about to begin the burial, the bees began stinging mourners, forcing them to run for safety.
“Several people, including family members and clergy, were taken to the hospital. Some of us are still nursing injuries, and the ceremony was stopped,” said Ngari.
Rev. Irene Gitari of ACK St. Luke Church said they had prayed over the grave, but as mourners prepared to bury Faith Njeri, the bees attacked.
“I prayed intensely, but the bees kept coming. Eventually, I had to run for my safety. This incident has shocked everyone in Ngurubani and Kirinyaga,” she said.
Ngari confirmed that the deceased was eventually buried later that night with a small group of mourners, as many had fled.
“Firefighters from the Kirinyaga County Government arrived, but we had already lit tires to disperse the bees,” he said.
The family reported that those taken to the hospital were treated and discharged.
“We had come from Ndia constituency to bury our aunt in Mwea, and we were shocked by this incident. It’s the first time we’ve witnessed anything like it,” said Samuel Waweru.
