Family Buries Banana Symbolically
Residents of Kariru village in Kiaga Sub-location, Kirinyaga Central, were left in shock when a family held a symbolic burial for a banana trunk after the actual burial was unexpectedly called off due to a dowry dispute. Beatrice Nyambura, 46, a mother of three, was supposed to be laid to rest at her estranged husband Stephano Muriithi’s homestead in Kariru village following a week of family discussions.
However, mourners were taken aback when court orders arrived just as they were getting ready to pick up her body from Kibugi Funeral Home in Kutus, putting a stop to the ceremony.
Pastor Pius Njogu Muthara, the deceased’s brother and a member of the Full Gospel Church, shared that everything for the burial had been set in motion when they received the injunction.
“We were at Kibugi Funeral Home ready to collect my sister’s body when our sister-in-law’s representatives arrived with court orders,” said Pastor Njogu. “The order stated that the burial could not proceed pending determination of an application filed at Baricho Law Courts.”
The court order, issued by Hon. S.M. Nyaga from the Baricho Law Courts, stated in part
“A temporary injunction is hereby issued restraining the respondents, their agents, family members, relatives, or any other persons from removing, disposing of, or interring the remains of the late Beatrice Nyambura Muriithi from Kibugi Funeral Home or elsewhere, pending the determination of this application.”
Pastor Njogu shared the sad news that Nyambura had passed away in a road accident. Even though she and her husband had separated 18 years ago, both families had come to an agreement that Muriithi would take care of burying his former wife.
“Nyambura had two children with my brother before they separated, and she later had another child. We had agreed to take care of the third child as a family. It’s shocking that the matter has now been taken to court,” he said.
The family shared that one of Nyambura’s daughters, Mary Njoki Chomba, who resides in Ngurubani, played a significant role in organizing the funeral preparations.
“We came all the way from Ngurubani after a week of planning, only to be told the burial couldn’t proceed. To symbolize the burial, we decided to bury a banana stem as we await the court’s ruling. We will continue supporting Njoki as one of our own,” said John Mkubwa, the burial committee chairperson from Ngurubani.
In Kariru village, mourners had already dug the grave, prepared food, and come together for prayers when the empty hearse pulled up, leaving everyone in a state of confusion and deep sorrow.
“We didn’t know what to do. Women’s groups had cooked food, and everything was ready,” said Mary Wairimu, a resident.
The burial ceremony was set to be led by Reverend Joseph Kiberu from KAG Church in Kanjai.
“We were ready for the burial, but when it was cancelled, we went ahead to pray and later buried the banana stem as we waited for the court’s direction,” said Rev. Kiberu.
According to Mzee Peter Gachoki Koori, an 80-year-old village elder, burying a banana stem is a traditional ritual designed to keep evil spirits at bay and to honor the soul of the deceased, especially when a burial can’t take place as intended.
“This practice is rare but observed in special circumstances when delays occur due to unresolved disputes,” said Mzee Gachoki.
Family Buries Banana Symbolically
