Ndhiwa Magistrate’s Court in Homa Bay County has ordered the exhumation of the body of the late Joab Otieno following a controversial burial that has sparked dispute and confusion over how his remains were handled.
According to the father, Joseph Nyadiero, Joab Otieno had left his home to work in Kisumu, where he later fell ill and died.
He explained that the family had remained in contact and even engaged with his mother during his illness to understand his condition and ensure he was being properly cared for.
“I am Joab Otieno’s father. He left my home to work in Kisumu but fell ill there. Upon learning about his illness, we organized with the mother to find out how he was being treated and responding to medications,” said Joab’s father.
Father in Distress After Body of Joab Otieno Taken From Kisumu
However, Joseph Nyadiero argued that after his death, communication was cut short, and when they went to collect his remains, they were nowhere to be found.
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He expressed shock over how the burial was conducted, claiming that an unidentified woman, allegedly known as Jennifer Nundu, took the body from the mortuary without the family’s consent.
Joab’s father said the family does not know the woman and questioned how she was allowed to access and bury the body without involving close relatives.
When we went to the mortuary, we were told that Jennifer Nundu, who is an unknown person even in our village, is someone we don’t know, took the body and carried it away the following day after his death.”
According to him, the family only learned of the burial after it had already taken place, prompting them to seek legal intervention.
He highlighted that the family was denied their right to participate in the burial arrangements and is now seeking justice and proper cultural rites for their son.
Court Orders Exhumation of Body Buried in Kisumu
According to the family’s lawyer, Albert Ongoso, following the dispute, the matter was urgently taken to the Ndhiwa Magistrate’s Court in Homa Bay County for legal assistance.
Albert stated that the burial had caused deep distress to the family, who felt excluded from a process they should have been central to.
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The lawyer further explained that the court reviewed the application and issued an order for the exhumation of the body from Kakello Village at Rata Center in Seme, Kisumu County, to allow proper investigation and enable the family to conduct a lawful burial.
He noted that the ruling was a relief to the grieving family, even though it came amid emotional distress and uncertainty.
Additionally, Albert stated that the process will involve coordination between the family, local administration, police officers from Seme-Kombewa, chiefs, and village elders to ensure it is conducted lawfully and peacefully.
