Residents of Isena in Nyacheki, Kisii County were left in shock after a man who was appointed by a burial committee as treasurer fled with the money.
The burial committee chairperson Lawrence Gichana, said the treasurer, Enock Sobei went into hiding on Sunday.
He fled with the donation from villagers which was meant to offset a bill at the morgue.
"Villagers contributed Sh40,000 to pay for the mortuary, coffin and cater for transport but, on Sunday evening when we gathered to plan on how the body will be collected, the treasurer did not show up," said Gichana as reported by Egesa FM.
He said efforts by members of the burial committee to reach Sobei on phone did not yield fruits as his phone was not going through and he is not at his home.
Peter Nyamweya, the area chief wondered why Sobei could run away with funeral money.
"A search has been launched to find Sobei. He must return the money. It is so shameful of him disappearing with money something that has seen burial plans stopped prematurely as the body was expected to be picked from mortuary today, Tuesday and the burial be held tomorrow," the chief said.