BARINGO, Kenya – Residents of Baringo South have been left stranded following a shocking break-in at the Marigat Mortuary, the only public facility offering mortuary services in the region.
Unknown vandals targeted the facility — stealing body trays and power cables, effectively rendering the mortuary non-operational.
The mortuary, which was recently constructed by the Baringo County Government, was meant to serve residents of Baringo South and neighboring Tiaty Sub County. Following the incident, grieving families are now being forced to transport the remains of their loved ones to distant towns like Kabarnet, Ravine, or Nakuru for mortuary services.
“This was the only mortuary meant to bring services closer to the people. Now, bereaved families are being inconvenienced at a time they are already in pain,” said a local resident.
According to a public health officer at Marigat Sub-County Hospital, the high demand for scrap metal in the town has driven many idle youths into the illegal scrap trade, targeting even critical infrastructure like hospitals.
“We suspect that those involved were after the metallic trays and power cables to sell as scrap. This trend is worrying and dangerous,” the officer added.
Local leaders and residents are now calling on authorities to intensify security around public facilities and crack down on the illegal scrap metal trade, which continues to threaten essential services.
