Cremation is becoming popular in Kenya where is now practiced by non-Hindus as it were. Kenyans are now embracing cremation, a means of disposing of dead bodies that was considered taboo by the traditional beliefs.
The exposure of Kenyans to different cultures, coupled with environmental conservation initiatives and scarcity of land are some of the reasons people no longer balk at the cremation.
It is mostly more acceptable amongst educated and well-off Kenyans, as opposed to the majority of the so-called lower-class who view it as alien and un-African.
Kenneth Matiba who died last week had also directed his family to cremate his body upon his death.
The multi-party crusader died in Nairobi hospital after he suffered a stroke. Matiba, whose body will be cremated on Friday, joins a list of prominent Kenyans who have opted out of the traditional burial ceremonies.
Here is a list of prominent Kenyan leaders who chose cremation despite normal burial practices being common in their community.
1. Prof.Wangari Mathai
The environmentalist who died in 2011 was cremated in a private ceremony. The family of the environmentalist and the Government agreed to cremate the body at the Kariokor Crematorium before the remains were interred at the Wangari Maathai Institute for Peace and Environmental Studies, in accordance with her wish. Maathai’s final wish was that no tree should be felled for her coffin.
2. Engineer Kipngenoh Ngeny
He was a Kenyan politician and telecommunications executive where he served as the Managing Director of the now-defunct Kenya Posts and Telecommunications Corporation from 1979 until 1993.
Ng’eny was cremated as per his wishes at a private ceremony in Nairobi in July 2014. This ceremony broke away from Kalenjin traditional burial rites where people are returned to their family farm for burial.
3. Anglican Archbishop Manasses Kuria and his Wife
He was the second African Archbishop and Bishop of Nairobi in the Anglican Church of Kenya. The Anglican church of Kenya Manasses Kuria and his wife were both cremated despite their deep Christian faith.
The body of Mrs. Mary Nyambura Kuria was cremated at the Langata Crematorium two days after she passed on.
4. Peter Okondo
He served as Cabinet Minister during retired President Moi regime.He was also cremated as per his wish.This didn't go well with his family and Banyala community clans who opposed it.