With high tensions ahead of planned protests, Nyahururu mortician Ann Mwangangi says she is receiving calls from worried Kenyans — some even requesting advance payment to reserve morgue services for potential unrest.
Highlights:
- Mortician Ann Mwangangi shares concerns about pre-booked morgue services.
- Calls reflect growing anxiety among Kenyans ahead of anticipated protests.
- Highlights broader issue of exploitation in mortuary fee systems.
- Sparks a conversation about preparedness vs. profiteering in times of crisis.
Main Story:
Ann Mwangangi, a well-known mortician at Pope Benedict Funeral Home in Nyahururu, shared that people have been contacting her to pay upfront for morgue services. She described the trend as a reflection of public anxiety ahead of the planned June protests, with some fearing the unrest may lead to increased fatalities.
Mwangangi’s experience highlights a troubling reality: even essential services like morgue care are being considered for reservation in advance, as citizens prepare for the worst. While some may see it as prudent planning, others question whether it’s a sign of profiteering, especially with legal frameworks on mortuary fees under scrutiny.
As Kenyans brace for public demonstrations, there’s increasing pressure on authorities to regulate mortuary services more closely. Ensuring transparent, standardized pricing could protect vulnerable families from exploitation and bring accountability to how end-of-life services operate — even during chaos.
In unsettling times, some prepare for safety — others for mortality. But when even morgue spaces require reservations, it’s a sign Kenya’s collective anxiety needs more than just preparedness—it needs compassion and oversight.
