How Thieves Broke into A Baringo Mortuary & Stole Several Body Trays

Police in Baringo South have launched a comprehensive investigation into a recent theft and vandalism incident at the Marigat Sub-county Hospital Mortuary, where unknown individuals made away with crucial body trays and power cables.

The audacious break-in has sparked outrage among residents, who are now pointing fingers at the booming scrap metal trade as a potential catalyst for such acts of public property destruction.

The incident has left the mortuary severely hampered, as the stolen items are essential for its operation. According to Maganga Musango, the Public Health Officer in Baringo South, the facility had been recently completed, featuring a cold room designed to accommodate up to eight bodies.

However, just as preparations were underway to open the mortuary for service, the thieves struck, stealing the very trays meant to hold bodies within the refrigeration units.

"This building had been completely built and even had a cold room installed that could store about eight bodies,” Musango said.

Local residents in Baringo have been vocal in linking this particular burglary, and a broader surge in similar incidents, to an increased demand for scrap metal in the region.

They are now strongly urging the government to consider implementing a ban on the trade of scrap metals, believing this measure could effectively curb the rising cases of vandalism targeting public infrastructure and property.

Speaking on the incident, Fredrick Okoth, the Assistant County Commissioner for Baringo South, issued a stern warning to those involved. He emphasized that the government would not tolerate criminals who instead of safeguarding public developments meant to benefit citizens, choose to destroy them.

Okoth directly attributed the theft to individuals involved in the scrap metal trade, stating, "What was stolen was stolen by scrap youths, not these other children".

He further placed blame on those who purchased the stolen goods, asserting that if buyers were not present, the thefts would not occur.

"We blame those who buy; if they wouldn't buy, those children would be able to steal".

Assistant County Commissioner Okoth also highlighted community efforts, stating that police and community members are now conducting patrols every morning, ensuring that children are attending school rather than loitering.