A dramatic scene unfolded at the Mwea Mission Hospital mortuary in Karira, Kirinyaga County, where chaos erupted for more than 10 hours as two women and their ten children fought over who had the right to sign the burial permit for their deceased husband.
The deceased, Francis Muthike of Mugaa village in Mutithi ward, had passed away after a brief illness. He left behind two wives—Jane Wamwirua and Jane Wangeci—and a total of ten children.
The conflict arose over the authority to sign the burial permit, which the family members argued was key to property inheritance. The argument turned into a public spectacle, drawing attention from relatives, friends, and even hospital patients who watched in disbelief as the family members clashed openly.
Amid the heated exchanges, one of Muthike’s daughters from Wamwirua’s family asserted, “I am the one who was supposed to sign the burial permit for my late mother because I paid the hospital bill,” before abruptly dashing outside with the permit, intensifying the confusion.
As tensions escalated, mortuary staff were forced to shut down the facility due to the commotion. The standoff persisted until around 4:30 a.m., when hospital management contacted Makutano Location Chief Peter Wanyeki for intervention.
Thanks to his mediation, both sides eventually agreed to a compromise: the two wives would jointly sign the burial permit.
With the issue resolved, Muthike’s body was transported to his home in Mugaa village for burial.
