Kenya is witnessing a transformation in funeral traditions, with an increasing number of prominent individuals opting for cremation.
The recent addition to the cremation list is the late renowned actor Charles Ouda , who’s death deeply impacted the Kenyan Film Industry and the nation as a whole.
What sets Ouda apart, similar to other notable figures in Kenya like Prof Wangari Maathai, Kenneth Matiba, Archbishop Manasseh Kuria, and the late cabinet minister Peter Okondo, is his choice of cremation over traditional burial rituals.
This departure from conventional practices reflects a trend gaining traction among various individuals in the country.
Kenneth Matiba, for instance, expressed a desire for a private funeral, rooted in the belief that traditionally, the Kikuyu did not bury their dead but left bodies in the forest for hyenas.
Prof Wangari Maathai, known for her environmental activism, rejected a wooden coffin, considering it contradictory to her life’s work of safeguarding trees.
Contrary to the perception that cremation is exclusively for the rich, a rising number of Africans are gradually embracing this practice, as confirmed by officials at the Lee Funeral Home.
The shift towards cremation reflects changing attitudes and a broader acceptance of diverse funeral practices in Kenya.
What is Cremation?
Cremation involves the combustion of a deceased body, serving as both a funeral or post-funeral rite and an alternative to burial.
Typically conducted in a closed furnace known as a cremator at a crematorium, the process leaves behind an average of 2.4 kg of remains, often referred to as “ashes” or “cremains.”
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Contrary to the term “ash,” these remnants consist of unburnt fragments of bone mineral, commonly ground down into a powder.
These cremains pose no health risk and can be buried in a memorial site, retained by relatives, or scattered in various ways.
Breaking Taboos and Shifting Perspectives
In Kenya, cremation is still met with resistance in some communities and faces opposition from certain religious teachings.
However, the rising costs associated with traditional burials, coupled with the time-consuming and expensive burial procedures, have led some individuals to opt for cremation.
The decision to embrace cremation for some, challenges cultural norms and traditions deeply rooted in specific communities.
Catholic Reverend Sister Ann Nyaieso, while speaking to The Kenya Times explained that cremation is not a common thing among the church and that the choice of cremation really depends on the individual.
“Though it has not been publicly announced, it is a practice that’s yet to be accepted among the religious community.” she said.
She stated that cremation was considered a foreign practice and that it was not native to Africans, who prefer burying their dead in their ancestorial lands.
Sister Ann explained that the disapproval of cremation in the Catholic Church stemmed from the biblical scripture (Gen. 1: 26-27), which teaches an extreme respect for the human body, both in life and in death.
“Christians believe in the resurrection of the body after death, therefore cremating was not in accordance with the custom of burying their dead in tombs or catacombs.” she said.
Reasons for Choosing Cremation
Several factors contribute to the increasing acceptance of cremation in Kenya and understanding these reasons sheds light on the evolving funeral practices in the country.
1.Simplicity and Cost-effectiveness: Cremation offers a simpler and more straightforward disposition method compared to traditional burials.
Planning a burial involves various expenses such as transportation services, embalming, casket purchase, headstone, grave plot, and mortician fees.
Cremation, on the other hand, requires planning for transportation to a crematorium, the actual cremation process, and a cremation urn.
The cost factor makes cremation an attractive option for those looking for a more economical solution.
2.Portability and Flexibility: The ability to transport cremated remains provides survivors with the flexibility to relocate to different cities or countries.
This portability allows loved ones to be interred or scattered together in a location that holds personal significance.
3.Instant Disposal: Some individuals find the prospect of a prolonged decomposition process unappealing. Cremation provides a quick and instantaneous method of disposing of the body, resonating with those who prefer a swifter resolution.
4.Scattering or Burial Options: Cremated remains offer versatile choices for their final resting place. Cremation plots or columbarium niches are often more affordable than traditional burial plots, requiring less space.
Additionally, the option to scatter remains in meaningful places, such as the sea, river, beach, park, or mountains, aligns with the deceased’s last wishes.
Cremation in Kenya: A Step-by-Step Guide
In the process of cremation in Kenya, families undergo a series of steps to ensure a smooth and respectful farewell for their loved ones.
1. Authorization and Paperwork: The journey begins with the family obtaining proper authorization, involving a signed and stamped death notification and burial permit.
2.Family Consent: A written consent from the family of the deceased is a pivotal requirement. This consent acknowledges the family’s agreement with the decision to proceed with cremation.
3. Booking and Payment: The next step involves the family making a booking at the crematorium, typically 24 to 48 hours before the intended cremation.
Also Read: Charles Ouda to be Cremated at Kariokor
4. Crematorium Preparation: Before the actual cremation takes place, attendants ensure that the crematorium is meticulously cleaned and ready for the process.
5. Final Checks: Depending on the chosen method of cremation, attendants take measures to ensure that all necessary arrangements are in place.
The cost of cremation in Kenya
Cremation costs in Kenya vary between Ksh 10,000 and Ksh 100,000.
The pricing differences are influenced by factors such as the location of the cremation, the materials utilized in the process, and whether the deceased is an infant, child, or adult.
