The Atheists in Kenya Society has called upon the government to ban the public viewing of the dead.
Through a statement, the society’s president Harrison Mumia stated that the practice is ‘archaic, unhealthy and defunct.’
Mumia added that there are potential cognitive effects (false recognitions) of viewing a body that might haunt someone later.
“This is when a person thinks they hear or see the deceased in the immediate environment, followed by the realization that the person is dead. These anomalous experiences can cause people to be afraid, sad, or even feel unhappy,” he added.
Mumia argued that there are better ways to treat the dead and find closure, urging Kenyans to embrace cremation instead.
Harrison Mumia [File, Standard]
“We urge Kenyans to embrace cremation. There is need to create awareness of cremation so as to reduce the likelihood of cultural offense,” he said.
This comes as the public viewing of the late President Mwai Kibaki enters its final day today (Wednesday).
The former President has been lying in state at Parliament buildings since Monday 25, May, when President Uhuru Kenyatta led the nation in in paying their last respects.
A State Funeral Service will take place on Friday 29 April at Nyayo National Stadium ahead of burial at his Othaya home on Saturday 30, April.
https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/…/atheists-want-govt-to…
