Chaos as body returned to mortuary over land dispute in Kakamega

The incident occurred in Marama South Ward after a family planning to bury their loved one without requisite land ownership documents was stopped from conducting the ceremony.

The family, led by Margaret Malika and Henry Malika, stated that they had been denied a burial permit by their chief's office.

They added that their deceased relative had no valid land title, which made it difficult for the family to obtain the required documentation.

"The family arrived without the necessary documents, which forced them to return the body to the mortuary at Butere Private Hospital," the authorities said.

According to the family of the late Jason Owade, the deceased was living alone on the said land following the death of his eight children, leaving behind only one daughter who is married.

Now, the family is seeking government intervention to obtain the rights to the land title from their chief, so they can bury their loved one with dignity, especially since the grave remains unoccupied.

Area Assistant Chief Stephen Tooso declined to comment on the matter, stating that he has not received approval from his superiors.