Two families fight over two bodies

By Paul Gitau

Malindi, Kenya: There was drama outside the Malindi District Hospital mortuary Sunday after two families staked claim to the bodies of a woman and her daughter.

According to mortuary officials, one family arrived ready to collect the bodies of victims who died in a road accident last week but met another family that was claiming the same bodies.

A bitter exchange of words ensued and police was called in to restore peace.

The two families members were later summoned at the Malindi Police Station and advised to resolve the matter at home or seek court intervention.

Former husband

The deceased woman’s younger brother Onesmus Ria said his family was shocked when her late sister’s former husband turned up to claim her body for burial at their Kakuyuni home in Malindi.

He said her sister had separated with the husband close to three years ago and they were shocked when he resurfaced demanding to be given the two bodies for burial.

Ria, however, said the two families will meet to deliberate on the next cause of action.

Malindi Deputy County Comissioner Joshua Nkanatha said the incident was a family affair and advised the two families to resolve the matter amicably.