A dramatic family feud played out at Mwea Mission Hospital mortuary on Wednesday, as a dispute over who had the right to sign a burial permit led to chaos that lasted more than 10 hours.
The commotion began in the early hours when the family of the late Francis Muthike, a resident of Mugaa village in Mutithi ward, clashed bitterly at the mortuary. Muthike, who succumbed to a short illness, left behind two wives Jane Wamwirua and Jane Wangeci and ten children. The burial permit, a vital document required for his burial, became the centre of an emotionally charged tug-of-war.
According to witnesses, the confrontation escalated when one of Wamwirua’s daughters claimed she had the right to sign the permit, arguing she had settled the hospital bill. In a chaotic turn, she grabbed the permit and dashed outside, further fueling the confusion. Alarmed mortuary staff were forced to shut the facility to prevent further escalation.
Local residents and patients watched in disbelief as the family publicly aired their grievances. “These people from Mugaa village caused chaos in the hospital, and now business is at a standstill. Even boda boda operators have no work today,” lamented Peter Kinyua, a nearby resident.
Hospital officials eventually contacted Makutano Location Chief Peter Wanyeki around 4:30 am. Through his mediation, the parties agreed that both wives would jointly sign the permit. “We have agreed that the two wives will sign the permit. We are not allowed to view the body because of the time,” the Chief said.
After the agreement, Muthike’s body was transported to his home in Mugaa village for burial. Yet the confusion continued when mourners realized that the coffin was too large for the prepared grave. “We are digging a new grave because the coffin doesn’t fit,” said a relative, Gatumbi.
Despite the series of disruptions, Muthike was finally laid to rest around 6:45 am. Summing up the day’s turmoil, family member Jane Muthoni Kibara said, “Let Muthike rest in peace. It was total confusion all day long.”
