Residents of Uasin Gishu County have vehemently opposed a plan by the county government to purchase hearses.
The contest is subsequent to a unanimous approval by the county's assembly to purchase six hearses to be distributed across the six sub counties.
The assembly argued that the cost of burial and funeral services had skyrocketed and the scheme will reduce the cost as now residents would be required to only pay for fuel.
Kamagut MCA Jeremiah Sang argued that the hearses would help the poor who could not bear the market cost to hire hearses.
"The vehicles will come in handy for the poor who cannot afford to hire hearses," he said.
However, some residents opposed the move saying the county had more pressing issues to address than offering hearse services.
A section of the residents alleged that it was a bad omen to conjecture and prepare for death.
"In Kalenjin culture, it is a bad omen to anticipate and even prepare for death," said Vincent Koech.
"We want more ambulances and hospitals to be equipped not hearses," said Abraham Kosgei, another resident.
Two of the hearses will be bought in the 2016/17 financial year while the rest will be procured in the next financial year.