What was meant to be a solemn and emotional farewell for 24-year-old Leonard Mutua Muema, popularly known as Mapetco, descended into chaos and heartbreak. His family from Masewani Village in Kangundo is still reeling after a group of unruly youths and boda boda riders hijacked the burial on Saturday.
Muema died in a motorcycle accident at Kathithyamaa Bridge, between Tala and Kangundo, along with another rider. While the family was still grappling with the sudden loss, the burial day brought a second wave of trauma—not from death, but from sheer disrespect.
The body was collected from Machakos Mortuary and escorted by a large convoy of boda boda riders. But what was meant to be a peaceful procession quickly turned disorderly. Eyewitnesses reported that the riders blocked roads, blared loud music, and caused major traffic. The convoy even stopped at the accident scene, where unidentified rituals were performed before finally reaching Masewani.
Mathew Munyaka, the family secretary, said the events grew disturbing when unfamiliar rituals began, accompanied by loud music, alcohol, and bhang.
“This wasn’t just disrespect—it broke our hearts. Funerals should honor the deceased, not humiliate the family,” Munyaka said, urging the government to safeguard mourning families from such disruptions.
Assistant Chief Consolata Ndunge explained that while the burial started calmly, it was soon overtaken by the crowd. More than 3,000 youths reportedly stormed the gravesite, opened the casket, and placed beer and bhang inside.
“It was shocking. The family was left devastated,” Ndunge said, promising that such acts would not be tolerated in Kangundo.
Matungulu MP Stephen Mule condemned the incident, calling it “a total shame.”
“This behaviour is neither African nor Christian. It’s morally wrong and must stop,” he said.
Pastor Stephen Lai, who attended the funeral, described the scene as spiritually distressing. He recalled how the procession was blocked and rituals performed without the family’s consent.
Leonard’s father, Eric Muema, recounted the helplessness they felt.
“They carried the coffin on their shoulders, refused to use a trolley, and even blocked the pastor. We just watched helplessly,” he said.
The most painful moment came when the minister could not conduct the final prayers. Instead, strange rites were performed, with beer and cigarettes thrown into the grave.
Zenna Kambua, Leonard’s eldest sister, said the family was denied the chance to grieve properly.
“We had to hide inside the house. We don’t even know exactly how or when he was buried,” she said.
Now, the Muema family and local leaders are calling for decisive government action. They want clear rules to ensure funerals remain sacred and families are protected from such traumatic experiences in the future.
Instead of finding closure, the family left Leonard’s burial with heavier hearts. A day meant for healing ended in pain, shame, and unanswered questions.
