Police holding man, wife for keeping a body ‘for prayers’
By Brian Malila, July 6, 2022Police in Mutithi village, Kirinyaga county, have arrested a 45-year-old man, his wife and another woman for keeping a dead body, believed to be that of his mother, in a house.
James Muchira is said to have discharged his mother from hospital, where she had been admitted for treatment, and took her to his house. She has reportedly been in the house during the past one month for prayer healing.
Locals believe that Tabitha Wakathare, 67, died, as her son, Muchira, who is believed to be a member of a religious cult, insisted that he prays for her healing.
They added that the body of Wakathare was found inside the bathroom after it started decomposing.
The three suspects are being interrogated at Kiamaciri Police Station.
Blocked by brother
Evans Mwaniki, a brother of the accused, said his attempts to check on his mother’s recovery after she was discharged from hospital were futile, as his brother blocked him from entering the house.
It is after this that he sought the intervention of the local chief to help him access the house.
However, both were denied entry, forcing them to seek the help of police officers.
The police forced their way into the house … only to be confronted by a strange odour emanating from the bathroom, where the lifeless body was lying.
No check-up
“Any time we wanted to take Wakathare to hospital for medical check up, the suspect refused until she died in his hands. We could have saved her life, “ said Mwaniki, the elder son of the deceased.
He added: “My mother had started doing well before my brother took her to his house for prayers. It’s unfortunate that he denied her medical treatment.”
Mwaniki said his younger brother started behaving strangely after he got ‘saved’.
He added that the brother used to sell French beans in different markets but abandoned the business to focus on gospel preaching and prayers after he got ‘saved’.
“Sometimes he would travel to Nairobi to meet his fellow prayer mates. On returning home, he would remain indoors for days with his family,” he said.
Mwea West Sub-County police boss Wilson Koskey said investigations into the death had started.