Drama as Court Approves Exhumation of 80-Year-Old Man’s Body One Month After Burial

The body of an 80-year-old man, Evans Masolo, has been exhumed in Bungoma County, one month after his burial, following a court order issued amid a bitter family dispute over his final resting place.

Evans Nambafu Masolo was buried in May, but disagreements among family members over where he should be buried led to court action that resulted in the exhumation of his body.

Speaking during the exhumation exercise, Masolo Kofilevi, who identified himself as the firstborn son of the deceased’s second wife, said the family had opposed the initial burial arrangements.

“There were problems. My father’s brothers, sisters, and other relatives turned against us. They took our belongings and refused to return them,” he said.

Court Orders Exhumation of Evans Masolo in Bungoma

Masolo Kofilevi claimed that his father had expressed a desire to be buried in Nassousi, Kimilili, which he described as his last residence.

He further alleged that the burial permit indicated the same location.

“The strange thing is that they buried our father without us being present. They buried him at night, and we were not happy as a family. He was a respected elder, but they refused to fulfil his wishes,” he said.

According to Kofilevi, his father’s will stated that he should either be buried at his home in Nassousi or next to the grave of his second wife.

He added that the court-sanctioned exhumation was necessary to ensure his father is reburied in accordance with his wishes and family agreements.

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Relatives Oppose Exhumation

However, another family member opposed the move, arguing that the Evans Masolo had already been buried in a suitable location.

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She also cited cultural beliefs, claiming that traditions surrounding the burial of elderly people had not been observed.

“We are Africans, and we have our own cultural traditions that say someone over 80 years cannot dig their own grave at this time. Even his will says he will either be buried here or in seconds wife’s grave,” the lady stated.

The lady claimed that the dispute was being driven by disagreements over family property, alleging that one of Evans Masolo’s sons had previously disposed of family land and was now seeking to interfere with the burial arrangements.

The relative maintained that the deceased had accepted either of the two proposed burial sites and questioned the need for exhumation.

“Now the man had said he either be buried here,,, in the other place the son  has sold everything, including the lands, and he has now  here to disturb our peace,”

Meanwhile, the exhumation was carried out under court supervision, with family members and residents gathering to witness the exercise.

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Evans Masolo Body exhumed. Photo/ file