Broken taboos as unknown people loot and vandalise mortuary

Marigat Sub-County hospital in Baringo County. [File, Standard]

A mortuary is a place one would least expect to be attacked, vandalised or looted, regardless of the form of chaos. It is regarded as sacred across almost all cultures.

But the newly-built morgue at Marigat Sub County Hospital in Baringo South lost its sanctity last week after it was invaded by unknown persons.

Maganga Musango, a public health officer in the area, says the mortuary, which is part of the yet-to-be-commissioned hospital, was ready for use before the incident.

“We were planning for an official launch of the hospital. To our shock, we woke up to a vandalised mortuary.  It was meant to serve Baringo South and Tiaty,” said Musango.

The mortuary structure, which is currently tucked in overgrown bushes, was broken into under the cover of darkness, with the invaders making away with priced stainless trays.

“There were eight trays on which bodies are placed before being kept in the fridges. All of them have been stolen, making the mortuary unusable. It is a shocking theft,” said Musango.

The vandalism did not end there as those behind it appeared determined to ensure the mortuary was not functional. They cut off the power supply and stole the cables. 

“We had connected the mortuary to power from the main hospital building. Underground power cables were dug up and stolen. Without power, the mortuary cannot function,” said Musango. 

While the actual motive and suspects behind the acts remain unknown, scrap metal dealers have been named as the prime suspects. 

“It is unfortunate that petty theft has now denied Baringo South and Tiaty residents the services,  which they will now continue seeking at the distant Kabarnet hospital,” he said. 

The actions have left the local community in shock, with residents saying that this is likely to attract curses on those behind it.

“There are places you don’t just get close to, let alone steal from. Taboos have been broken, and most likely those who stole might be the first clients once the morgue is functional again,” said elder David Ayabei. 

Natii Edome, another elder, said that those behind the theft overlooked the consequences while focusing on making quick money.