Chaos broke out on Monday in Khuluchere village, located in Butere Sub-County of Kakamega County, after a family was forced to return a body to the mortuary instead of proceeding with the planned burial.

The dramatic incident unfolded in Marama South Ward when the family, who had planned to bury their loved one, was stopped because they did not have the required land ownership documents.

This turn of events caused confusion and distress among the family members and the community at large.

Leading the family’s efforts, Margaret Malika and Henry Malika explained that they could not secure a burial permit from the chief’s office.

They said the lack of a valid land title for the deceased relative made it impossible to obtain the necessary documentation.

“The family arrived at the burial site without the required papers,” local authorities explained. “This situation left them with no choice but to take the body back to the mortuary at Butere Private Hospital.”

According to relatives of the late Jason Owade, the deceased had been living all alone on the disputed land.

They said he had suffered the tragic loss of his eight children over the years, leaving behind only one daughter, who is married.

The family is now seeking government intervention to secure the land title from their chief, enabling them to bury their loved one with dignity, as the grave remains unoccupied.

Area Assistant Chief Stephen Tooso declined to comment on the matter, stating that he has not received authorization from his superiors.

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