A heartbreaking and tragic event unfolded recently in Marenga, located within the Bunyala West Ward of Budalang’i Constituency, Kenya, involving a young man named Emmanuel Makokha, aged 28. Emmanuel, who was a skilled drummer and known locally as an mpiga ngoma, was hired to perform during a burial ceremony for a community member. The ceremony was meant to be a solemn occasion for family and friends to honor their departed loved one.
During the funeral proceedings, Emmanuel was actively engaged in playing traditional drums to pay homage to the deceased and to keep the customary rites of the community alive. However, tragedy struck unexpectedly when he suddenly lost his balance and collapsed, falling directly into the open grave that had been dug for the burial. The incident was captured in a widely circulated video that shows the moment Emmanuel slipped and fell headfirst into the grave, striking his head against the coffin before landing at the bottom.
Witnesses and other mourners who were present at the burial ceremony reacted immediately, rushing to Emmanuel’s aid with great urgency and concern. They managed to pull him out of the grave in a desperate attempt to save his life. Despite their swift intervention and efforts to provide assistance, Emmanuel Makokha tragically succumbed to his injuries not long after the fall. The sudden and unexpected nature of his passing sent shockwaves through the community, turning what should have been a day of remembrance and mourning into a double tragedy for all those involved.
The local area chief confirmed the incident and described how the atmosphere at the burial quickly became chaotic following Emmanuel’s fall. Emergency responders were called, but their arrival came too late to prevent the heartbreaking outcome. The authorities have since launched an official investigation to understand the precise circumstances that led to this tragic accident during the burial ceremony.
Family members, church congregation, friends, and the entire local community have been left devastated by the loss of Emmanuel Makokha. Many have shared memories of him as a vibrant and committed young man who was always willing to participate in and support community events. His unexpected death has deeply impacted those who knew him and has left a lasting void within the community.
As the investigation continues, community members are calling for greater safety precautions at public and ceremonial events to prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future.
Watch the video below to see the footage of the incident as captured by onlookers: