- A church in Meru County has declined to buy an elderly woman until her pending arrears of KSh 6,300 are cleared
- A family member told TUKO.co.ke that his grandmother, aged over 100, had served the church for decades
- She stopped making payments after age caught up with her, and she could no longer attend services or work to earn
Meru County – A grieving family is hurt and bewildered after the Catholic church, which their grandmother faithfully attended for decades, declined to conduct her burial.
Source: UGC
Rael Mwathirwa Ibaya, who was over 100 years old, had been a devoted member of her local parish in Athwana Ward, Tigania West Constituency.
How much did Meru grandma owe church?
Her grandson, Festus, told TUKO.co.ke that the elderly woman had remained active in church for most of her life, only slowing down in recent years due to age.
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Festus explained that his grandma was an active member until old age caught up with her, which affected her contributions.
“When we approached the church for burial arrangements, they told us they first needed to confirm whether she owed any dues,” he started.
What followed shocked the family. Church officials reportedly established that the centenarian had missed some contributions, accumulating arrears amounting to KSh 6,300.
Despite pleas from the family, the church is said to have stood firm, declining to proceed with the burial rites until the outstanding amount was settled.
“I do not know if I am just overreacting,” the grandson added. “It felt unfair, considering her lifelong commitment.”
How will Meru grandma be buried?
The decision has stirred quiet outrage among relatives and neighbours, many questioning whether financial obligations should outweigh decades of service, especially for a woman who lived beyond a century.
With the church remaining adamant, the family has sought an alternative. A relative, who is also a pastor, has stepped in to conduct the burial service scheduled for Saturday, April 4.
As preparations continue, the incident has ignited conversations within the community about compassion, dignity in death, and the role of religious institutions in moments of grief.
For the family, however, the focus remains on giving their matriarch a dignified send-off that honours her long life, even as questions linger over the circumstances surrounding her final farewell.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
