There was chaos at Mwea Mission Hospital mortuary in Karira, Kirinyaga County, lasting over 10 hours, as two women and their ten children argued and fought over who should sign the burial permit for their husband.
The late Francis Muthike, from Mugaa village in Mutithi ward, died after a brief illness, leaving behind his two wives, Jane Wamwirua and Jane Wangeci, along with their ten children.
The dispute centered on who had the legal right to sign the burial permit, which they claimed was an important property inheritance.
The family members clashed openly as relatives, friends, and patients watched in disbelief.
One of the deceased’s daughters from Wamwirua’s family insisted, “I am the one who was supposed to sign the burial permit for my late mother because I paid the hospital bill,” before hurriedly running outside with the permit, causing further confusion.
The situation became so heated that the mortuary authorities had to close the facility.
A local resident, Peter Kinyua, lamented, “These people from Mugaa village caused chaos in the hospital, and now business is at a standstill. Even boda boda operators have no work today.”
It was only after intervention by Makutano Location Chief Peter Wanyeki, who was contacted around 4:30 am by the hospital management, that the families agreed to have the two wives sign the burial permit.
“We have agreed that the two wives will sign the permit. We are not allowed to view the body because of the time,” the area Chief said.
Following the resolution, Muthike’s body was taken to Mugaa village.
However, confusion persisted when it was discovered that the coffin was larger than the grave that had been dug. “We are digging a new grave because the coffin doesn’t fit,” said Gatumbi.
Muthike was finally buried at around 6:45 am in Mugaa village.
“Let Muthike rest in peace. It was total confusion all day long,” a family member, Jane Muthoni Kibara, summed up the day.
