Ksh 15,000 debt drives Bungoma man to dig his own grave

Piece by: KNA by Roseland Lumwamu
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Martin Juma, 46, stares at a grave he was found digging for himself.
Martin Juma, 46, stares at a grave he was found digging for himself.
Martin Juma, 46, stares at a grave he was found digging for himself.
Martin Juma, 46, stares at a grave he was found digging for himself.

Residents of Namakhele village, North Bukusu location, Kabuchai constituency, Bungoma County have been left in shock after a 46-year-old man dug his own grave allegedly ready to commit suicide to avoid paying a Ksh 15, 000 debt.

Confronted, Martin Juma who is jobless said he owes several people in his locality who were constantly pestering him to pay up.

He said he found no reason to continue living hence his decision to prepare his grave then end his life.

Area chief Bonface Ndiera who rushed to the home on receiving information said he was astonished by this act.

 “It is rare and an abomination for a normal person to dig his own grave," he said.

 The incident that attracted a huge crowd of locals comes only a few days after a middle-aged man in the same location slaughtered a cow and drank its blood then disappeared.

 Ndiera said it was worrying that bizarre incidents are on the rise in his area asking pastors to intervene and pray for the area residents’ deliverance.

Juma’s wife, Christine confirmed the said debt which she noted her husband is unable to settle as he has no job.

Kizito Lukorito, an elder, said that according to the Luhya customs when a person is found digging his own grave he should be severely beaten and a black sheep slaughtered to cleanse bad spirits before a banana trunk is buried in the grave.

“If the above custom is not performed, then the family risks losing a close family member,” he said.

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