Lang'ata residents are up in arms after a private developer dug trenches at the cemetery to channel sewage from his residential estate in Mugumoini Ward.
According to the Star, the move has exposed coffins after diggers dug through to the third layer, revealing bodies that were buried as long as five years ago.
“Bodies are buried in layers (at the Lang'ata Cemetery). The first layer is the deepest... bodies there have decomposed," said area MCA Alex Otieno when he toured the site on Wednesday.
County Health Executive Bernard Muia who accompanied Otieno said the trenches are a health hazard and the action a disrespect to the dead.
“How can a private developer purchase land and build houses where souls are resting. This is against our culture and we will not allow it,” the county minister said.
He threatened to sue the estate's welfare association if the trenches are not refilled within 24 hours. "I will not sit at City Hall while cemetery land is grabbed,” he said.
Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company official in charge of sewers Elijah Choti said the developer did not seek their approval before embarking on his project.
“There is a main sewer line is this area. The developer was simply required to apply for the houses or the state to be connected to it. What he is doing is illegal. We will ensure the trenches are refilled within 24 hours," said the NCWSC official.
The cemetery was declared full 20 years ago but the county is yet to find an alternative site.