Maina Kageni, the renowned radio host, recently shared his final wishes, revealing that he prefers to be cremated after his death. This preference is clearly documented in his will. During a segment on his popular radio show, “Morning Conversation,” alongside co-host Mwalimu King’ang’i, Maina discussed the growing trend of cremation, especially in urban areas where land for traditional burials is becoming increasingly scarce.
His comments came in response to the ongoing challenges facing Lang’ata Cemetery, one of Nairobi’s most popular burial sites. The Ministry of Health had recently recommended the immediate closure of Lang’ata Cemetery due to overcrowding and safety concerns. For over two decades, the cemetery had been operating beyond its capacity, with reports indicating that some graves were being dug too shallowly, leading to concerns about bodies being buried on top of one another. Maina highlighted that the cemetery had been declared full more than 20 years ago, prompting a shift in thinking regarding burial practices in the region.
Maina emphasized that he had made it clear in his will that upon his death, he would prefer to be cremated. He even mentioned that his cremation would take place at Kariokor, one of Nairobi’s well-known crematoriums, the day after his passing. He expressed his desire to forgo a traditional funeral service, stating that he would not want a requiem mass or any grand ceremony. Instead, he believes it is time to move away from traditional burial practices and embrace more modern alternatives such as cremation, especially given the severe land constraints in Kenya.
He went on to explain his belief that some funeral ceremonies have become excessive, with large crowds attending out of obligation rather than genuine grief. Many times, these ceremonies are impersonal, with hundreds of people, many of whom were not close to the deceased, showing up simply for the sake of tradition. According to Maina, the time has come to rethink the way society views burials and funerals.
He further pointed out that land for burials is rapidly running out in Kenya, and in the near future, it will be difficult to find enough space for traditional burials. This lack of space, he argued, will make it increasingly difficult for families to even sell private land that contains graves. With this in mind, he strongly advocates for a change in societal attitudes toward death and burial customs.
Maina’s stance reflects a broader trend among some Kenyans who have chosen cremation as a more practical alternative to traditional burial. Several prominent figures in Kenya have opted for cremation in recent years, citing reasons such as limited land availability and a desire for simpler, more private farewell ceremonies. Notable figures like Charles Ouda, Asad Khan, and Franklin Ndirangu, among others, have all been cremated, and their families have opted for more intimate ceremonies in keeping with their loved ones’ wishes.
Cremation, once seen as an alternative mostly for non-African communities, is now becoming increasingly popular among Kenyans of all backgrounds. This shift in perspective reflects the changing times, where practicality often takes precedence over tradition, particularly in urban areas where space is at a premium. Maina Kageni’s remarks are a reflection of this evolving mindset, and his openness about his own wishes may encourage others to think critically about their own final arrangements.
