The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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The Court of Appeal has brought an end to the protracted burial dispute surrounding the late Borabu parliamentary aspirant, Naftali Onderi Ontweka, whose body has remained at Lee Funeral Home for the past nine months.
In a ruling delivered by Court of Appeal Judge Mwaniki Gachoka, Onderi’s body is to be released to Zipporah Mases Ondieki, his widow. Additionally, his brothers—Joseph Ontweka, Elisha Ontweka, Stanley Ontweka, and David Ontweka—have been granted permission to attend the burial and conduct the Gusii customary rites.
Judge Gachoka upheld the High Court’s decision, directing that Onderi be laid to rest on his parcel of land in Mavoko Town.
The deceased, who passed away on April 19, 2023, had been at the center of a familial disagreement regarding his place of burial, resulting in a prolonged legal battle.
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During his lifetime, Onderi had erected a family home in Kamulu, Mavoko Town, spanning approximately 5 acres, which served as his matrimonial home with his wife advocating for his burial there. However, his brothers, adhering to Gusii customary law, argued for his interment in Kiango, Kisii County, where they believed cultural rites should be performed.
The contentious matter, initially presented before the Magistrates’ Court, escalated to the Court of Appeal, culminating in the recent resolution of the dispute.
