A Day of Remembrance and the Struggles of Kenyan Cemeteries
Today, across all continents, people come together to remember those who have passed away. While this day is marked by prayers and reflections in many cultures, it remains a topic that is often avoided or considered taboo. Despite this, death is an inevitable part of life, and for the fortunate few, their graves are visited by loved ones who light candles, lay flowers, and offer prayers. However, these gestures are temporary, as even the most beautiful flowers eventually wither and fade.
In some countries, the significance of this day has been lost over time. For instance, in the United States, the tradition has transformed into Halloween—a day filled with pranks, costumes, and festivities. This shift has led to a lack of reverence for the original purpose of the day. Similarly, in Kenya, very few people observe this special occasion with the respect it deserves.
Public cemeteries in Kenya, particularly in Nairobi, reflect this neglect. The main cemetery in Langata, for example, is in a state of disrepair. Not long ago, it was home to warthogs from the nearby Nairobi National Park, which roamed freely without causing harm. However, the construction of a dual carriage road changed everything. These animals no longer inhabit the area, and the cemetery now stands in a sorry condition.
I have many friends buried in this cemetery, and I was shocked to discover that some of their graves had mysteriously vanished. In their place, new graves with different names had appeared. Those that remained were in a terrible state—crosses toppled, statues shattered, and marble covers cracked. My mind raced with theories about vandals or malicious individuals, but I decided to investigate further before jumping to conclusions.
Over several 24-hour vigils, I observed what was happening. What I witnessed was completely unexpected. Several young men arrived with numerous cattle, herding them through the cemetery. These animals scratched their tick-infested backs against crosses and statues, causing them to fall. Older graves collapsed under the weight of their hooves, creating chaos in a short amount of time.
I took photos of the destruction until one of the men caught me looking. He glared at me, and I quickly realized that staying any longer could be dangerous. How did they get into the cemetery? The chain-link fence had been stolen, leaving the area completely unguarded. The authorities responsible for maintaining the cemetery have neglected their duties, allowing the site to fall into complete disarray.
The lack of organization is evident. There are no clear alleys, and some recent graves have been dug into storm drains. Most of the destroyed graves belong to two communities: Europeans and Goans. It has become common for local communities to bury their dead in rural areas rather than in cities like Nairobi. This practice is relatively new and has been influenced by customs from other parts of the world.
Historically, many tribes in Kenya did not bury their dead. Instead, they left bodies on the savanna for scavengers like hyenas and vultures. This practice is similar to Sky Burials in Asia, where birds take pieces of flesh from bodies placed in open towers. Some communities in the former Kenya Colony used leopards to dispose of carcasses, leading to tragic scenes of animals attacking still-living individuals.
Despite these historical practices, there are now challenges in finding suitable burial grounds for certain communities. Goans and Europeans, for example, often choose cremation due to the desecration of their loved ones’ remains. In some cases, bones are excavated and reburied in distant countries. However, African Kenyans who are buried abroad have their graves protected by law.
Death is a universal experience, yet the respect given to the deceased varies greatly depending on their background. It is time for all individuals, regardless of their origin, to receive the same level of respect when they live and die in Kenya.