Court Allows Bishop Ben to Exhume Mother’s Remains for Reburial on Family Land

A Nakuru court has granted Bishop Ben of Jesus Compassion Ministry (JCM) permission to exhume his mother’s remains from a public cemetery and rebury her on family land in Nyandarua.

In his application, Bishop Ben told the court that at the time of his mother’s burial, the family did not own land and opted for a public cemetery due to financial constraints. He explained that he has since attained financial stability and acquired family land, prompting the request to rebury his mother in what he described as a more dignified resting place.

The court, in allowing the application, considered the reasons presented and found no legal impediment to the exhumation and reburial, subject to compliance with public health and administrative requirements.

The ruling has sparked emotional debate on social media, with Kenyans expressing mixed reactions. While some have supported the decision, citing dignity, cultural values, and the right of families to make burial choices, others have raised concerns about the emotional toll of exhumation and the precedent such decisions may set.

Public health officials are expected to guide the process to ensure it is conducted in accordance with the law.

More details are expected to emerge as the matter develops.