Nairobi MCAs oppose cosure of Lang’ata cemetery without providing alternative burial place

Members of the Nairobi County Assembly have opposed the move to close the Lang’ata Cemetery without identifying an alternative burial site.

The Assembly’s Select Committee on Health raised concerns about the announced sudden closure by the ministry of Health.

According to the Committee Chairperson and Mountain View MCA Maurice Ochieng, there needs to be a proper transition to avoid causing distress to city families.

He added that it is wrong to wake up and decide to close the 100-acre facility.

“We cannot wake up and say we are closing it. We must have an alternative place for the departed because in a day, about 20 people are buried at the cemetery,” Ochieng said.

He added that halting burials without a backup plan would leave many residents stranded.

“If we just stop immediately and city residents will suffer, as a committee of health, we are deliberating on the way forward before it is closed,” he said.

A member of the Committee and Woodley MCA, Davidson Ngibuini, alias DNG, noted that the concerns raised over shallow graves and overuse are valid, but they must be handled with care.

“The issue of shallow graves is weighty, as said by the national government; thus, an alternative should be found and a policy around it,” he stated.

Nominated MCA and Committee Vice Chairperson Lily Kidenda gave a warning against the closure of the cemetery without notifying the public and ensuring there’s a place for the deceased.

“Because death does not wait for anyone, there will be people dying and they need to be buried, and it will be critical that the procedures are followed,” she said.

The City lawmakers said they will continue discussing possible solutions, but maintained that abrupt closure is not an option.

The opposition comes after Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni told the National Assembly that a special committee had recommended the cemetery be degazetted for posing health risks.

“If we were to safeguard the public health and promote a healthier and safer society, and therefore, on this issue of the cemetery, we are behind the recommendations that were made by the committee that should be implemented,” the PS stated.

Muthoni urged the county government to act on the matter by securing proper documentation. She also emphasised that burial practices must follow public health laws to avoid disease outbreaks and environmental damage.

The national committee’s report suggested Nairobi County either acquire new land, seek an extension into Ngong Forest, or reclaim grabbed land near the cemetery.