MCAs warn against closing Lang’ata Cemetery without plan
“The issue of shallow graves is weighty, as said by the national government; thus, an alternative should be found and a policy around it,” he said.
Nairobi County Assembly members are warning that the city will be thrown into crisis if Lang’ata Cemetery is shut down without identifying an alternative location for burials.
The Nairobi County Assembly Health Committee rejected a recent call by the national government to close the facility, urging for proper procedures to be followed first.
This followed remarks by Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni during a session in Parliament.
PS Muthoni said a task force had proposed degazetting the cemetery, citing public health risks.
"If we were to safeguard the public health and promote a healthier and safer society, and therefore, on this issue of the cemetery, we are behind the recommendations that were made by the committee that should be implemented," she told MPs.
But County Assembly Health Committee chair Maurice Ochieng dismissed the idea of shutting the cemetery without providing an alternative.
He said the site handles around 20 burials daily and cannot be closed without disrupting services.
"We cannot wake up and say we are closing it, we must have an alternative place for the departed, because in a day, about 20 people are buried at the cemetery," Ochieng said.
He noted that while the health issues raised are serious, the county must deliberate on a workable solution.
"If we just stop immediately and city residents will suffer, as a committee of health, we are deliberating on the way forward before it is closed."
Davidson Ngibuini, MCA for Woodley Kenyatta Golf Course, called for a policy to handle the concerns about shallow graves and overcrowding at the site.
"The issue of shallow graves is weighty, as said by the national government; thus, an alternative should be found and a policy around it," he said.
Committee member Lily Kidenda said any closure plan must include public participation and a clear alternative.
"Because death does not wait for anyone, there will be people dying and they need to be buried, and it will be critical that the procedures are followed," she said.
The National Assembly Committee suggested the city acquire new land, extend into Ngong Forest, or reclaim land taken near the cemetery for expansion.
PS Muthoni also advised the county to obtain documents for the grabbed land and ensure compliance with burial health standards to avoid environmental harm and disease.
The MCAs insisted that proper planning and public consultation are necessary before any decisions are made about Lang’ata Cemetery.