Kirinyaga family buries banana trunk instead of woman's body after burial halted over dowry dispute

The late Beatrice Nyambura, 46, a mother of three, was to be buried at her estranged husband Stephano Muriithi’s homestead in Kariru village after a week of family negotiations. However, mourners were left stunned when court orders arrived just as they were preparing to collect her body from Kibugi Funeral Home in Kutus, halting the ceremony.

According to the deceased’s brother, Pastor Pius Njogu Muthara of the Full Gospel Church, all arrangements for the burial had been finalized when they were served with the injunction.

“We were at Kibugi Funeral Home ready to collect my sister’s body when our sister-in-law’s representatives arrived with court orders,” said Pastor Njogu. “The order stated that the burial could not proceed pending determination of an application filed at Baricho Law Courts.”

The court order, issued by Hon. S.M. Nyaga of Baricho Law Courts, read in part:

“A temporary injunction is hereby issued restraining the respondents, their agents, family members, relatives, or any other persons from removing, disposing of, or interring the remains of the late Beatrice Nyambura Muriithi from Kibugi Funeral Home or elsewhere, pending the determination of this application.”

Pastor Njogu explained that Nyambura had died in a road accident. Despite separating from her husband 18 years ago, both families had initially agreed that Muriithi would bury his former wife.

“Nyambura had two children with my brother before they separated, and she later had another child. We had agreed to take care of the third child as a family. It’s shocking that the matter has now been taken to court,” he said.

The family added that one of Nyambura’s daughters, Mary Njoki Chomba, who lives in Ngurubani, had been actively involved in the funeral preparations.

“We came all the way from Ngurubani after a week of planning, only to be told the burial couldn’t proceed. To symbolize the burial, we decided to bury a banana stem as we await the court’s ruling. We will continue supporting Njoki as one of our own,” said John Mkubwa, the burial committee chairperson from Ngurubani.

At Kariru village, mourners had dug the grave, prepared food, and gathered for prayers when the empty hearse arrived, causing confusion and sorrow.

“We didn’t know what to do. Women’s groups had cooked food, and everything was ready,” said Mary Wairimu, a resident.

The burial ceremony had been scheduled to be conducted by Reverend Joseph Kiberu of KAG Church, Kanjai.

“We were ready for the burial, but when it was cancelled, we went ahead to pray and later buried the banana stem as we waited for the court’s direction,” said Rev. Kiberu.

According to Mzee Peter Gachoki Koori, 80, a village elder, the act of burying a banana stem is a traditional ritual meant to ward off evil spirits and appease the soul of the deceased when a burial cannot proceed as planned.

“This practice is rare but observed in special circumstances when delays occur due to unresolved disputes,” said Mzee Gachoki.