He was almost buried alive

By Arthur Mahasi

Many Kenyans will be shocked to learn they may practically have buried their loved ones alive. As bizarre as it sounds, it is a distinct possibility. In many countries, it is illegal to declare somebody dead unless certified so by a medical doctor. This involves carrying out tests on the remains of the deceased for confirmation. But how many of us bother? With one doctor for every 1,200 Kenyans, there simply aren’t enough medics to go round certifying the dead.

Slipped into coma

As soon as someone purportedly "dies", the relatives whip themselves into frenzy, wailing uncontrollably and rolling on the ground. And yet the relative could only have slipped into coma.

Not all patients who slip into coma die. In fact, many survive to live normal lives. Many victims of accidents and diseases like diabetes go into a coma for several days and have to be put on life support machines in Intensive Care Units. Although some eventually die, others walk home to live normal lives.

Former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has been in a coma on life support machines for the last five years and is not dead, yet.

Funeral rights

Mzee Mudome, a neighbour and a friend of my late father from a small village in Hamisi District, fell ill and purportedly "died". For three days, relatives mourned and kept vigil over his dead body as funeral rites and burial arrangements were made.

Mourners, however, got a terrible shock when, as pallbearers approached the grave with the casket, they heard what sounded like a sneeze followed by a cough from inside the coffin. The presiding pastor did not believe his ears and fled for dear life leaving his Bible at the graveside.

Other mourners fled in all directions in panic as Mudome knocked hard on the coffin walls yelling for it be opened. Two courageous men returned to open it. Indeed, Mudome was alive and the first thing the hungry man asked for was porridge.

For weeks, people avoided him thinking he was a ghost, which was not the case. He had just recovered from a coma.

A ceremonial banana plant was planted in the grave according to Luhya customs. He went on to live for many years before he died "again."

This time, the mourners waited for more than three days hoping that he would "resurrect" a second time but this was not to be. He was only buried when his remains started decomposing.

Formalin

Thus, relatives of perceived "dead victims" should not rush to treat and embalm the body with formalin unless the victim has been confirmed dead by a qualified doctor. The chemicals that are hurriedly pumped into the victim’s chest only help to finish them off even if they were in a coma they could have recovered from.

This should provide food for thought for religious and cultural beliefs that demand the immediate burial of the dead.