Relatives jump into grave to stop burial of a man who was stabbed with a knife (Photos)

Edward Mwangi's wife and his cousin jumped into the grave to stop his burial.

There was drama at Wanyororo Cemetery in Bahati, Nakuru after a family disagreed on whether to bury their murdered kin or not.

The wife of the deceased and his two cousins jumped into the grave while the preacher was giving his sermon. They wanted the remains of the deceased returned to the morgue.

The deceased, Edward Mwangi, 33 was murdered on the night of December 3 and his body found the following day on a farm next to his suspected killer's home.

According to the residents, Mwangi and his two friends went to the suspect’s home after learning that his lover with whom they have a ten-year-old child was in the suspect's house.

Wife and cousins want the burial of Mwangi cancelled while his parents want it to proceed. 

“The three went to the suspect’s house at night, one of them armed with a knife. They attacked the suspect who overpowered them and snatched the weapon. Two of them were forced to flee for their safety,” said a resident who sought anonymity.

Mwangi was however left behind and it is alleged, the suspect used the same knife to stab him several times on the chest.

“According to post-mortem results, Mwangi died due to injuries to his heart. They were caused by the knife used to stab him,” said Charles Mucheru, a cousin to the deceased.

Mwangi struggled to make his way home but unfortunately, he died on a farm next to his suspected killer's house. Residents found his lifeless body the following morning.

Mwangi, 33 was murdered on the night of December 3 after he was stabbed by a man he had gone to confront.

Mucheru said he accompanied the police officers from Kiugoini police station to the scene where the suspect identified as Stephen Mwangi showed up with the murder weapon and admitted to committing the crime.

The matter took a new twist at Kiugoini Police Station where Mary Wangari, the wife of the deceased, said her husband's suspected killer reportedly talked with police officers and was set free minutes later. She further claims that she was denied an OB number.

Mwangi's parents and brothers who live in Kirinyaga planned Mwangi's funeral despite his widow and the deceased's cousins from Nakuru opposing the move. They want Mwangi's killer arrested and charged.

“Those from Kirinyaga don't know the pain we are going through. We want justice for Mwangi. Burying him while his murderer is walking free is denying justice to the immediate family of the deceased,” said Mucheru.

Attempts to calm them down by Dundori Member of County Assembly Michael Chege were futile as they maintained their grounds.

“We equally want justice and truth over the matter. However, let us bury him with respect for his spirit go in peace. God will serve justice if the government system will fail,” said Chege.

The Nakuru family would hear none of this even as the preacher went on with the sermon. Just before he could conclude, Mwangi's wife, his cousin and brother jumped into the grave.

Mwangi's wife and a section of his relatives want his killer arrested and charged.

The burial service came to a standstill for over two hours as the residents gathered around the grave where the three stood. They gave conditions that their kin must be taken back to the morgue or buried together with them.

The deceased’s father Daniel Mwea watched in shock as his own children defied and accused him of of siding with those who murdered his son.

At half past two, Mwea lost his cool and ordered his other relatives to carry the casket to the grave and have his son buried by force. A fistfight broke out as strong men forced the three out of the grave.

“He is my son and he will be buried. Today! Get them out and lower the casket,” he ordered as they were whisked away with kicks and blows.

Women from the village, however, defended the widow and warned the Kirinyaga team from touching her even as she pulled back the casket from being lowered.

After order was restored the deceased was hurriedly buried with the father leading in songs but wasn’t joined by the residents who disapproved the act. No prayers were conducted.