A dramatic scene ensued after a 60-year-old man was caught placing eggs in a coffin of a prominent business lady during a lying-in-state ceremony.
The bizarre incident occurred at Eshiakhulo village in Mumias East, Kakamega County of Kenya, during the funeral service of Jane Mguu, popularly known in the village as Raila.
Benson Wetende said to be an in-law to the deceased and from the neighbouring Shibuli area, was seen stealthily approaching the coffin and placing two eggs beside the deceased’s ears.
Stella Musimbi who witnessed the whole saga said: “We thought he was going to pay his last respect since the deceased was a well-known business lady around here, but we were shocked to see him dropping two eggs inside the coffin.”
Surprised mourners and relatives reportedly held him and asked him to explain the motive behind his actions, with some accusing Watende of being a witch.
Musimbi added: “We asked him what the motive behind his actions was, but he could not explain.”
The presiding bishop from Faith Believers church, Simon Malenya was forced to end the service, as he tried to save the old man from irate mourners after he failed to explain his reason for placing the eggs in the coffin.
Wetende was subsequently whisked away from the burial ceremony with family members of the deceased asking their clan elders to find out what could be happening.
Wycliffe Ambwere, son of the deceased said:
“We want him to explain why he put the eggs in our mother’s coffin and the motive behind it because we have much respect for him as our uncle.”
The incident has also been condemned by the local church leaders led by Bishop Malenya and local administrator Sheban Lumbasi.
