A burial ceremony in Shirere ward, Kakamega County, turned dramatic and emotional on Tuesday afternoon when the family of 47-year-old Peter Wanyama halted the interment process, demanding to “speak” to him one last time before laying him to rest.
Wanyama, a father of four who died after a short illness, was being lowered into the grave when several relatives abruptly stopped the burial. In a shocking twist, some family members jumped into the grave and insisted the coffin be lifted out, claiming they had received spiritual instructions during the night that Peter had something important to say before burial.
Eyewitnesses described tense moments as mourners tried to calm the situation. Eventually, the coffin was pulled back from the grave and placed on a mat nearby. The lid was opened, and the family gathered around, crying, praying, and speaking to the deceased. One of Peter’s sisters even claimed she heard a faint whisper from the body, though others dismissed it as a product of overwhelming grief.
Local elders and religious leaders were called in to mediate. After nearly an hour of prayers, counseling, and emotional outpouring, the family agreed to proceed with the burial. Pastor John Musimbi, who led the final prayers, described the incident as extraordinary but understandable.
“This is the first time I’ve seen something like this,” he said. “Grief can make people act in unusual ways. We must be patient and understanding.”
The incident has since sparked widespread debate in the community, with some villagers defending the family’s actions as a symbol of deep love, while others condemned it as unnecessary and disrespectful to burial traditions.
Despite the drama, Peter Wanyama was eventually buried peacefully, but the unusual events left a lasting impression on those who witnessed the funeral. For many, the scene underscored not only the weight of grief but also the powerful role of spiritual beliefs in shaping how families confront death.
