Burial of Kirinyaga youth killed during Saba Saba protests cancelled over missing pathologist - Citizen Digital

The funeral, which was scheduled to take place on Thursday, was called off at the last minute after a government pathologist failed to appear at the Kerugoya County Referral Hospital Mortuary to conduct a mandatory postmortem examination.

A family in Njogu-ini village, Kagumo, Kirinyaga Central, has been left distraught after the sudden cancellation of the burial of 21-year-old Peter Macharia, who was fatally shot during the Saba Saba protests. 

The funeral, which was scheduled to take place on Thursday, was called off at the last minute after a government pathologist failed to appear at the Kerugoya County Referral Hospital Mortuary to conduct a mandatory postmortem examination.

Family spokesperson Hezekiah Kang’ethe expressed deep disappointment over the abrupt disruption, saying the delay has compounded the pain of an already grieving family.

“We were fully prepared for Peter’s burial tomorrow. This cancellation has caused immense emotional and logistical distress,” Kang’ethe told reporters at the mortuary.

Mutira Ward MCA David Kinyua Wangui, who is also a relative of the deceased, criticized the government for what he termed as negligence.

“All preparations were in place — the grave was dug last night, and now everything has gone to waste. This is a huge disappointment to the family,” Wangui said.

Peter’s mother, Margaret Wainoi, said food had already been prepared by local women’s welfare groups in anticipation of tomorrow’s ceremony.

“Mourners were expected from far and wide. Now we are left wondering whether we will have to keep the grave open for days,” she said, visibly emotional.

According to the family, Peter Macharia was shot by a police officer during the July 7 demonstrations while he was picking tea near his home. 

He was initially taken to a nearby dispensary before being transferred to Kerugoya Level Five Hospital, where he later died from gunshot wounds.

Kirinyaga Nominated MCA Bosco Gichangi joined the family in demanding justice.

“This was an unarmed youth simply going about his work. We demand that the officer responsible be identified, arrested, and charged,” Gichangi said.