A 28-year-old man has been arrested after he allegedly exhumed the remains of his father in a village located in Soy, Uasin Gishu County. The bizarre incident occurred on May 21 and has left residents in shock.
According to police, the man reportedly armed himself with a jembe and a shovel before proceeding to his father’s grave with the apparent intention of digging up the body. His father, identified as Stephen Rono, passed away in 2020 and had been buried in the same location.
Witnesses say the man arrived at the gravesite early in the day and began digging. Locals only realized the gravity of the situation when they saw he had reached the coffin and appeared intent on removing it. Alarmed by the act, villagers quickly gathered around the scene and raised the alarm.
A mob surrounded the man as he continued digging, prompting the police to be called to the location. Officers arrived to find the suspect sitting on the disturbed grave after he had already uncovered the casket. He was immediately arrested and removed from the scene for questioning.
Authorities say they are yet to establish the motive behind the act. While it remains unclear why the man chose to exhume his father’s remains, police confirmed that interfering with a grave is a criminal offence under Kenyan law. The grave was subsequently refilled and covered as officers launched an investigation.
As part of their ongoing inquiry, police plan to apply for a court order to detain the suspect while they continue with investigations. These will include a psychiatric evaluation to determine the mental state of the individual at the time of the incident.
The incident has sparked concern and debate among residents, many of whom are struggling to understand why someone would undertake such an action without any clear justification. Community leaders have urged calm and patience as the matter is being investigated, emphasizing the need for legal and psychological clarity before conclusions are drawn.
Meanwhile, in an unrelated incident in Murang’a County, authorities have launched a manhunt following the death of a 57-year-old man after a violent altercation in Kiiri village, Gaku.
The deceased, identified as Samuel Kamau Kinyanjui, succumbed to serious head injuries sustained during a confrontation on May 21. Police reports and witness accounts indicate that the deceased and the suspected assailant were relatives and neighbors. An argument between the two escalated into a physical fight, leading to the fatal injuries.
The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital following the assault but unfortunately died while undergoing treatment. Investigators believe the suspect fled the village shortly after the incident and efforts to locate and apprehend him are currently underway.
The body of the deceased has been moved to the mortuary where a post-mortem examination will be conducted to ascertain the exact cause of death. Police say the findings will be key to the murder investigation and any subsequent legal proceedings.
Both cases underscore growing concerns around interpersonal conflict and mental health in rural communities. Law enforcement agencies have reiterated their commitment to pursuing justice while urging communities to seek peaceful resolutions to disputes and report suspicious behavior before it escalates.
