In a shocking turn of events, unknown individuals broke into the only mortuary in Baringo South last week, stealing metal body trays and power cables in what appears to be a targeted raid for scrap.
The mortuary, located at Marigat Sub-County Hospital, had been a lifeline for residents of Baringo South and neighbouring Tiaty. Now, grieving families are being forced to travel over 100 kilometres to access services in Kabarnet, Eldama Ravine or even Nakuru.
The break-in has caused outrage among locals, who view mortuary premises as sacred. “It’s taboo to invade a place of the dead,” said elder Paul Chebii, who called on the government to crack down on the local scrap metal trade. “This mortuary was meant to ease suffering, not become a target for crime.”
According to a public health officer at the facility, the theft is part of a wider problem. “The demand for scrap in Marigat is very high. Youths are idle and desperate. Many are drawn into this business,” he said.
The Baringo County government built the mortuary to provide accessible services in a region long underserved. But with the facility now inoperative and no clear timeline for repairs, many residents are stuck with mounting costs to preserve loved ones elsewhere.
County officials say operations have stalled while they seek emergency funds to restore services.
The Marigat incident is not isolated.
Just a few kilometres away, another public asset is falling victim to the same problem the Perkerra Irrigation Scheme. Established in 1954, the scheme is one of Kenya’s oldest and most crucial agricultural projects, supplying water for food production in the arid plains of Marigat.
But in recent months, the canals and control systems have become a hunting ground for scrap metal thieves.
“They come at night and strip the gate valves, water regulators anything metallic,” said Daniel Waweru, manager of the Perkerra Irrigation Board.
“These components are essential for managing water flow. Without them, farmers at the end of the system get nothing, while those upstream flood. It’s turning neighbour against neighbour.”
Farmers have reported increased tension, even physical confrontations, as water becomes scarce and unevenly distributed. Many fear that continued vandalism will cripple the region’s ability to grow food especially maize seed and vegetables, which are major outputs of the scheme.
Despite Kenya’s 2022 Scrap Metal Act which mandates licensing of scrap dealers and tracking of scrap sources enforcement in rural areas remains weak. Officials say many scrap traders operate informally and move stolen materials quickly before anyone notices.
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