The Mbita court has urged the family of the late Kennedy Onyango to consider alternative dispute resolution to settle their differences regarding his burial.
Kennedy, a 12-year-old boy, was allegedly shot during anti-government protests in Ongata Rongai, Kajiado County. His burial has been surrounded by controversy as his parents, Denis Okinyi and Jocinter Anyango, are in disagreement over the burial site. Okinyi wishes to bury him at his home in Kisaku village, Kaksingri West Location, while Anyango prefers Kamasengre in Suba North constituency.
During a court appearance on Wednesday, Mbita Principal Magistrate Nicodemus Moseti encouraged the family to resolve their differences amicably. He emphasized the need for the parties to agree on a suitable burial location, as the boy was originally scheduled to be interred on July 5, 2024.
Magistrate Moseti noted that court proceedings could prolong the situation, further delaying the burial. “The court promotes alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. Therefore, I appeal to the parties to explore this process,” he stated.
Lawyers Sam Owino and Edmond Kobil, representing Okinyi, indicated that they plan to negotiate with Anyango on Thursday. Lawyer Humphrey Obach, representing Anyango, affirmed their intent to meet to discuss the matter before Friday.
Both parties had earlier consented to transfer Kennedy’s body to Rosewood Mortuary in Rongo for preservation until a resolution is reached. Currently, the body is at Suba sub-county hospital, and the transfer will occur under police supervision.
During the court session, security was heightened, as both parents were accompanied by family members, and police were required to maintain order to prevent any disturbances in the courtroom.
