Shinyalu family forced to retrieve son’s body due to landslide

A Shinyalu based family has been forced to retrieve the body of their son who was buried 4 years ago at Shitao village, Shirere ward within the outskirts of Kakamega town following landslides that are being witnessed in the area that now threaten to sweep it away.

The late Moses Kosira who was a hotelier abroad was buried at the plot of land in 2015 which he had purchased and settled on years ago.

Led by his father Clement Kosira, the family claims that efforts to get help from the County and national governments to salvage the grave long before the slides reached the grave fell on deaf ears. “I have been visiting this site since September when I got wind that my son’s grave was under threat and I took the step to visit County and national office leaders here at Kakamega and what they did was assure me that they will handle the situation and salvage my son’s grave,” lamented Mr. Kosira.

He is now very worried calling upon well wishers and the government to step in with speed and save the remains of his son since the coffin has already been exposed. “I am witnessing what I have never seen in my entire life, a coffin buried in 2015 and I’m  confused. This matter should be taken as an emergency. he said.

The family accuses the government of being slow in taking action saying it is a taboo and the situation will be worse if the remains will be carried away by rain water.

Kakamega police commander Benard Muli on his part said they are working with relevant authorities to ensure that the situation is contained. He called upon the residents to seek alternative places to put as the situation is handled to avoid casualties.

The call has been objected by the residents who claim to not have alternative places to live.

They raised fingers at the County government of Kakamega for not coming up with a clear drainage system from town saying the waters have led to the landslides something that had not been witnessed in the area ever.
“During the construction of the tarmacked road that links Amalemba estate to the County referral hospital, water was directed towards Shitao with no clear route and so when it rains all the water from town comes this way. We are all endangered because we believe our houses foundation has been destroyed,” said a villager who sought anonymity.