Morticians condemn IG Koome's remarks on hiring of dead bodies

Morticians Association in Kenya has criticised Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome's remarks on hiring of dead bodies from some morgues.

Their response came a day after the IG accused the opposition of hiring dead bodies by colluding with morgue attendants to taint the 'good image of the National Police Service' during the demos.

In a statement released on Wednesday, August 9, the Morticians and Allied Professionals Association of Kenya (MAPAKe) refuted the claims by the police boss saying, all attendants are registered and governed by ethics.

"Mortuary Technicians are no longer the rogue, careless, dirty, drunk and reckless uneducated individuals. Mortuary Technicians are registered, licensed and regulated by a Government Authority established by an Act of parliament; Kenya Health Professions Oversight Authority (KHPOA)," the statement reads.

"Mortuary Technicians are governed by ethics, chiefly among them being, respect and confidentiality of the deceased and respect for the loss, feelings and the right of the bereaved to mourn their loved ones in peace,"

However, the association has clarified that morticians do not control what happens to clients after being released from the facility.

While addressing journalists at the Kiganjo Police College, Koome said his officers did not take part in fuelling the violence witnessed during the protests after reports of police brutality emerged.

He also argued that the allegations are based on propaganda, aimed at tarnishing the institution's name.