The slain human rights defender Caroline Mwatha, who was found dead at the City mortuary last week, was not honored by members from her church as, the religious organisation refused to hold a requiem mass for her.
The Catholic Church, where the deceased activist’s family fellowships, refused to hold the service on grounds that she died procuring an abortion.
The church is said to have a strong stand against abortion.
Details of her death came to public light after a postmortem done revealed that she succumbed following complications that arose from attempting to procure an abortion.
Her body was later taken to Freedom Corner, where the human rights community paid their last respects ahead of her burial this weekend.
The vigil saw her casket being placed at the middle with portraits of her surrounding the podium.
The service attracted people from all walks of life, including Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris, former Chief Justice Dr Willy Mutunga, Rev. Timothy Njoya, former cabinet minister Martha Karua as well as her former colleagues, Boniface Mwangi and Okiya Omtatah.
Caroline was eulogized for her work in fighting for the ‘voiceless’ in her community, in Dandora.
Speaking on her death, Dr Mutunga stated: “Carol was murdered in a month in which we celebrate Dedan Kimathi, Robert Ouko, Pio Gama Pinto, Malcolm X and many other human right defenders.
Carol will be immortalized; she is the only woman in this month.
“When I heard the police narrative, I knew it wasn’t the truth, even if the police tell you the truth by mistake, you should not believe them,” he explained.
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Reiterating Mutunga’s sentiments, Haki Africa chairman Hussein Khalid affirmed that they dont buy the police’s theory since her body was booked in at City Mortuary after they allegedly heard that the human rights community was planning a demonstration.
Her former colleague from Dandora Justice Center, Mr Milfred Olal, stated: “After we are done with her burial, the next chapter will begin. From Monday our only agenda will be seeking justice for Caroline.”
He father,Mr Stanslaus Mbai, also commented noting that her daughter was fearing for her life due to the kind of work she did.
The group stated that it would hold a final vigil at the Freedom Corner before they depart for Siaya.
Caroline will be laid to rest in on Saturday 23rd, at her rural home in Siaya County.
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