A self-proclaimed professional mourner has revealed making attempts to land a chance to participate in the funeral ceremony of slain Rongo University student Sharon Otieno.
Speaking to the Standard on Thursday, Daniel Ochieng’ Ongwara who hails from Migori County, however, noted that all his attempts were futile.
He revealed trying to apply for the event, but failed due to lack of connections and links to the planners and the funeral committee.
‘’It has been very difficult to apply for Sharon’s burial as I do not have the links,’’ he is quoted.
Asked how he lands jobs, Ochieng’ said that himself and his colleagues liaise with morgue attendants, who allow them to place posters at the funeral homes for possible hiring.
“We also read obituaries from the newspapers to find out where the deceased comes from, then we approach the family and apply for the job,’’ he is further quoted.
The man adds that he gets a Sh 1, 000 to 2, 000 pay per deployment, and is now calling upon the government to adopt the profession as a legitimate career.
He has as well called upon the government to establish ‘mourners training institutes’ where aspiring professional mourners can get equipped with all the needed skills to give the deceased a befitting sendoff.
Sharon was found murdered in a Thicket near Oyugis Town in Homabay on September 3, and is set to be laid to rest in Magare Village, Homabay County on Friday, October 19.