Ex-soldier's will baffles mourners

No pitching tents. No fund-raising. No convoys. These are some of the things a retired military officer had asked his family not to do when preparing for his burial.

Colonel Wambogo Kamiti passed on last week, and his family is doing everything possible to fulfil his wishes.

“He strictly told his family members never to erect tents, collect money from mourners and avoid transporting the remains in a convoy of vehicles, and that only his close family members should witness the final rites,” a relative said Wednesday.

The news about the late Kamiti caught his friends and neighbours by surprise. When we visited their home in Ngei Estate, there was little activity in the compound, with only a few people around.

His son was, however, at hand to welcome the few guests who had gone to condole with the family, while the wife explained the wishes of her departed husband to mourners.

No vigils

Neighbours said no night vigils at the home and that mourners were not allowed to gather in the compound. That’s how the late Kamiti wanted things done once he was gone.

Those who went to condole with the family were informed of the deceased’s wishes. All of them left, after staying with the family briefly.

The family will cremate Kamiti’s body (that was another of his requests) at the Hindu Crematorium near Lake Nakuru National Park Thursday.

“We will fulfill his wishes. Colonel had prepared a place where his ashes will be buried at his farm in Laikipia,” she said.

She said the final ritual will be a private function attended only by close family members, according to his wish.

The late colonel served as the first commandant of the Kenya School of Infantry and underwent military training in Yugoslavia and other foreign countries in the 80s.