Dilapidated floral sheaths lay scattered around freshly dug graves, while others remained nameless, their wooden memorial crosses broken and scattered about.

Some graves are sunken, perhaps due to recent rains and neglect.

More than five burial services are going on at the same time at the Nakuru South Cemetery.

However, I am drawn to one. That of Joram Njagi Wanyeki, eulogized as a man of the people.

The 93-year-old met his untimely death after an agitated swarm of bees attacked him along Gilanis Avenue, a route he had known all too well during his over three decades of residence in Nakuru.

Peter Njagi, last born of the deceased during the burial of his father on June 11, 2024.

Photo credit: LELETI JASSOR/MTAA WANGU

Peter Njagi, the lastborn son of the deceased, tells Mtaa Wangu he’d made plans to meet his dad the week of the attack, only to be met with the sad news of his passing.

“I was shocked to hear of my dad’s passing, as he had never complained of any ailment or bodily pain and had always been very healthy,” he says.

Watch: Panic as bees attack man along Gilanis street in Nakuru

He continues, “I choose to remember him as my personal friend who loved me and my siblings. I saw him as a brother, and I loved him deeply. I am deeply saddened.”

Joel Njagi Kuria, grandson of the deceased, remembers his grandfather as a storyteller, full of life and good vibes.

Joel Njagi Kuria, grandson of the deceased during the burial of his grandfather on June 11, 2024.

Photo credit: LELETI JASSOR/MTAA WANGU

"My grandfather would tell us past stories from freedom fighters and knew everyone in the familial lineage, helping us trace our roots. He was the family pillar and a happy man, always there for everyone."

Kuria points out negligence by some of the officials from the county who came in an hour and a half later despite their manpower and equipment to help his grandfather.

Despite the accident that cost a life, the bees are yet to be removed a week later.

Grandpa who died after bees attacked him outside Gilanis had 'good vibes'

Author Spotlight

Leleti Jassor