Radio Jambo’s Ghost Mulee has openly expressed his desire to be cremated after his death, a wish that contrasts with the traditional burial customs common in many Kenyan communities. Speaking on-air with his co-host, Ghost made it clear that this decision is firm and that he has already informed his family about his preference for cremation over being buried in the soil.
Despite his strong stance, Ghost revealed that his decision was met with resistance from the elders of his Ukambani community. During a recent visit, the elders convened a meeting to question his intentions, asking if he truly wanted to be cremated and jokingly comparing it to becoming meat. They expressed concern over his public declaration on the radio about wanting to be cremated, which they found unconventional. Nevertheless, Ghost remains unshaken and insists that, if he were to die today, his wish would still be to have his body cremated.
This sentiment is gaining traction in Kenya, where more people are reconsidering traditional burial methods amid growing practical concerns. Cremation is increasingly seen as a viable alternative to burial, particularly in urban areas where land is becoming scarce. The overcrowding of cemeteries and the limited availability of burial plots are pressing issues that make cremation a more sustainable choice.
For example, the Lang’ata Cemetery, once a preferred burial site, has been declared full for over two decades. The Ministry of Health has raised alarms about the cemetery’s state, noting that bodies are being buried in shallow graves, sometimes on top of others, due to lack of space. This situation highlights the urgency of exploring other methods for handling human remains.
The idea of cremation is also supported by those who view traditional burial practices as outdated and not environmentally friendly. The continuous use of land for burials, especially in densely populated regions, puts pressure on available space and contributes to environmental degradation. Cremation offers an alternative that can alleviate these concerns by reducing the demand for land.
There is also a cultural shift underway, with some public figures encouraging Kenyans to rethink and move away from strictly adhering to traditional burial customs. They argue that holding onto these practices without considering the current realities of urbanization and land scarcity is no longer practical. Advocates for cremation emphasize the need to adapt cultural practices to fit modern circumstances and environmental considerations.
Ghost Mulee’s insistence on cremation, despite cultural opposition, reflects a broader conversation about death and remembrance in Kenya. It challenges long-standing norms and invites society to consider practical, environmental, and personal factors when deciding on posthumous arrangements. This conversation is likely to continue as more people face the reality of limited burial spaces and seek alternatives that honor their wishes while addressing contemporary challenges.
In summary, the growing preference for cremation in Kenya, as expressed by Radio Jambo’s Ghost Mulee and echoed by others, signals a shift in attitudes toward death and burial practices. It highlights the tension between cultural traditions and modern-day necessities, urging a reconsideration of how communities handle the delicate issue of laying loved ones to rest.
