Why Was the Burial of Peter Macharia Cancelled?
The burial of 21-year-old Peter Macharia, who was fatally shot during the recent Saba Saba protests, was abruptly canceled after a government pathologist failed to show up for a mandatory postmortem. The incident unfolded in Njogu-ini village, Kagumo, Kirinyaga Central, where the family had fully prepared to lay their son to rest on Thursday. However, with no autopsy conducted at the Kerugoya County Referral Hospital Mortuary, the funeral could not proceed legally.
Family spokesperson Hezekiah Kang’ethe expressed the heartbreak and frustration caused by the disruption. “We were fully prepared for Peter’s burial tomorrow. This cancellation has caused immense emotional and logistical distress,” he told reporters outside the mortuary.
What Did Local Leaders Say About the Interruption?
Mutira Ward MCA David Kinyua Wangui, a relative of the deceased, blamed the government for failing the family in their time of grief. “All preparations were in place, the grave was dug last night, and now everything has gone to waste. This is a huge disappointment to the family,” he said.
Peter’s mother, Margaret Wainoi, was emotional as she described the communal effort that went into planning the burial. “Mourners were expected from far and wide. Now we are left wondering whether we will have to keep the grave open for days,” she said, noting that food had already been prepared by local women’s welfare groups.
How Did Peter Macharia Die and What Is the Family Demanding?
According to the family, Peter was shot by a police officer on July 7 while picking tea near his home during the Saba Saba demonstrations. He was rushed to a nearby dispensary and later transferred to Kerugoya Level Five Hospital, where he succumbed to gunshot wounds.
Kirinyaga Nominated MCA Bosco Gichangi joined the family in their call for justice. “This was an unarmed youth simply going about his work. We demand that the officer responsible be identified, arrested, and charged,” he said.
By Lucky Anyanje
