- The only mortuary serving Baringo South and Tiaty was vandalised before commissioning
- Thieves made away with metal body trays and electrical cables
- Grieving families are now forced to travel long distances to preserve their loved ones
- Community elders called the act a serious cultural offence
- The scrap metal trade is blamed for encouraging public facility destruction
- Calls grow louder for tighter security and a crackdown on illegal scrap buyers
What was supposed to be a major health milestone for Baringo South and Tiaty has turned into heartbreak. Just days before it was to be officially opened, criminals raided the only mortuary near Marigat Sub-County Hospital, stealing body trays, electric cables, and damaging the facility.
Without the mortuary, families now have no nearby place to preserve the bodies of their loved ones. Many are now forced to travel to Kabarnet, Eldama Ravine, or even Nakuru, causing emotional strain and unexpected costs.
A health officer working at the hospital says idle youth are targeting public infrastructure, especially metal, to sell to scrap metal dealers. The recent theft is believed to have been driven by this growing trade that has now extended its reach even to mortuary equipment.
Community elders didn’t hold back their disappointment. One elder described the break-in as “a shameful act that goes against the community’s customs.” He added that disturbing the dead or the places where they are laid to rest is a deep cultural taboo.
The destroyed mortuary is part of a worrying trend in Baringo. In recent months, vandals have also raided the Perkerra Irrigation Scheme, targeting machines and equipment used by farmers.
Both local leaders and health workers are now urging the government to increase security around public property. They are also calling for a firm crackdown on illegal scrap metal businesses, which are fuelling this wave of destruction.
