Life in a mortuary is not for the faint-hearted. It is a world most people only encounter in moments of grief, yet for those who work there, it becomes part of their daily reality. One Kenyan woman, Ann Mwangangi, recently shared her experience of stepping into this hidden world, recalling a lesson from her very first day on the job that has stayed with her ever since.
Mwangangi, a trained mortician, was given a simple but striking instruction during her orientation: never spit inside the morgue. At first, the rule seemed odd, almost unnecessary. But as time went on, she came to understand its weight. The instruction was not only about hygiene and health but also about respecting the dead. In a space where every action carries meaning, even something as small as spitting could be interpreted as dishonor.
Her story opens a rare window into the unseen realities of mortuary work. The environment is heavy, both physically and emotionally. The strong odors, the presence of death, and the weight of grieving families demand not just professional skill but also mental resilience. Morticians, Mwangangi explained, must adopt strict discipline to survive in a place that most people would find unbearable.
By sharing her story, she gave a voice to an often misunderstood profession. Morticians are frequently shrouded in silence and stigma, yet they perform one of the most vital roles in society: preparing loved ones for their final journey. Mwangangi’s reflection showed that behind the cold corridors of the morgue lies a culture of dignity, ritual, and quiet strength.
Kenyans who read her account reacted with surprise and admiration. Some admitted they had never considered the depth of rules governing such work. Others praised her bravery for breaking the silence, saying her openness made morticians more human in the public eye.
Beyond the shock and humor of her story, there is an important truth: working in a mortuary is more than a job. It is a calling that requires compassion, endurance, and a deep respect for life and death alike. Mwangangi’s first-day lesson, though small, reminds us that even in the most unlikely of places, values of discipline and respect remain at the heart of human experience.
