Tension Mounts in Eldoret as Families Reject Proposed Exhumation for Kipchoge Keino Stadium Expansion

 Tension is mounting in Eldoret as families of people buried at an old Christian cemetery adjacent to the Kipchoge Keino Stadium oppose plans they fear could lead to the exhumation of their loved ones to pave the way for expansion of the sporting facility.

The families say they were not adequately consulted before the planned development and are now demanding answers from the authorities over the future of the cemetery and the graves located within the area earmarked for the stadium expansion.

The controversy has emerged as construction works and fencing around the Kipchoge Keino Stadium extension continue, with residents and relatives of the deceased expressing fears that the graves could eventually be cleared to create space for the project.

The affected families say the cemetery is more than just a burial site. They describe it as an important historical, cultural and social landmark that has served the local Christian community for generations.

They insist that any decision affecting the cemetery must involve the families and the wider community through a transparent and meaningful public participation process.

MCA demands intervention

Langas Ward MCA Francis Muya has joined the families in raising concerns over the planned expansion, saying the fencing around the stadium extension has heightened fears that the bodies could be exhumed.

“There is construction of the Kipchoge Keino Stadium extension. They have put up a fence, meaning that they will exhume the bodies. There was no public participation,” Muya said.

The MCA questioned why the families whose relatives are buried at the cemetery were allegedly not involved in discussions concerning the project.

According to Muya, development should not be undertaken at the expense of the dignity of the dead or the rights of families who have entrusted their loved ones to the cemetery.

He called on Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii and Cabinet Secretary Edward Sawe to intervene and address the concerns before any attempt is made to disturb the graves.

Muya further called for a court order to restrain any possible exhumation until the matter is properly addressed.

“Even if you want to exhume the body, there is a law that requires public participation for those who buried their people here,” he said.

He also appealed to President William Ruto to intervene and ensure that the people buried at the old Christian cemetery are not removed without the consent and involvement of their families.

The MCA argued that the stadium expansion should be carried out in a manner that respects the community and preserves the dignity of those who were buried at the site.

Families reject exhumation

The families of the deceased have taken a firm position against any attempt to exhume the bodies.

Harun Maina, one of the people opposed to the plans, said the central issue was the alleged lack of public participation.

“There was no public participation. We want to know that there was no public participation,” Maina said, insisting that the community must be given an opportunity to understand the proposed development and its implications.

Maina said families deserved clear information from the authorities about the project, particularly concerning what would happen to the graves if the stadium expansion proceeds.

The families want the authorities to explain whether the cemetery falls within the area targeted for expansion and, if so, what plans have been put in place to protect the remains of those buried there.

'We will not allow this to happen'

Martin Njuguna, speaking on behalf of the affected families, said they would not sit back and watch their loved ones being removed from their final resting place.

“There was no public participation. As the family of the deceased, we will not allow this to happen. This is injustice to the deceased,” Njuguna said.

Njuguna described the cemetery as a significant resting place for members of the community and said its importance goes beyond the individual graves.

He said the cemetery has historical, cultural and social value and should be protected for future generations.

According to Njuguna, the families are not opposed to development or the improvement of sports facilities, but they want development to be undertaken responsibly and with respect for the dead.

He said the families should be involved in any discussions concerning the cemetery and should be given an opportunity to raise their concerns before any decision is made.

The families are also calling for transparency over the stadium expansion plans, including the exact boundaries of the project and whether the cemetery has been included in the area targeted for development.

'Respect those who were buried here'

For Father Fredrick Njoroge, the matter is deeply personal. His father was buried at the cemetery, and he says the families should be allowed to preserve the final resting places of their loved ones.

“My father was buried here. We want our people to be given respect as they were buried here. We won't allow them to be exhumed,” Njoroge said.

He said he supports sports and understands the importance of developing modern sporting facilities, but argued that sporting development should not override respect for the dead.

“I am a sports fan, but we should respect those who were buried here,” he said.

Njoroge's position reflects the wider concern among families that the push to expand the stadium could result in the disturbance of graves that have existed at the site for many years.

Development versus preservation

The dispute has now placed authorities in a difficult position as they seek to expand sporting infrastructure while facing opposition from families determined to protect the cemetery.

The families say they are not against the Kipchoge Keino Stadium project itself. Instead, they want the government and relevant authorities to find a solution that allows development to proceed without interfering with the cemetery.

They argue that alternative designs or adjustments to the stadium expansion should be considered if the current plans require the removal of graves.

The families also want any discussions concerning possible exhumation to be conducted openly, with affected relatives given an opportunity to participate and make informed decisions.

They maintain that the remains of their loved ones cannot simply be treated as obstacles to a construction project.

Calls for public participation

A major point of contention remains the alleged lack of public participation.

The families and local leaders say residents should have been consulted before the project reached the current stage, particularly because it could affect a cemetery that has deep significance to the community.

They are demanding that the relevant authorities hold consultations with families, religious leaders, residents and other stakeholders before proceeding with any activity that could affect the graves.

The affected families say they are prepared to pursue legal avenues if attempts are made to exhume the bodies without addressing their concerns.

For now, the atmosphere around the cemetery remains tense, with families closely watching the ongoing works and calling on both county and national government officials to intervene.

They want Governor Jonathan Bii, CS Edward Sawe and President William Ruto to address the matter and assure them that their loved ones will not be removed without due process.

The families say the issue is ultimately about dignity, respect and the right of the deceased to remain undisturbed in their final resting place.

As the expansion of the Kipchoge Keino Stadium moves forward, the standoff over the cemetery is likely to remain a major concern in Eldoret unless the authorities engage the affected families and the wider community and find an acceptable solution.

For the families, the message is clear: development is welcome, but it must not come at the cost of disturbing their loved ones or ignoring the community's right to be heard.