Kwale residents reject investor’s move to start a crematorium

Residents of Mwakamba and Mivumoni in Diani have rejected a move by a foreign investorwho wants to put up a crematorium in Kwale County.

Speaking during a public Baraza in Diani on Saturday, the residents said they did not back the George Barbor funded investment because it went against their culture. Some even expressed fears that the facility might be used to cremate living people.

The chairman of the National Council of Imams and Scholars Sheikh Amir Banda dismissed claims by Barbor that the facility will boost tourism in the area since most of the foreigners cremate their loved ones – claims that Barbour backed with the case of Abu Dhabi.

“Kenya and Abu Dhabi are two different nations with different settings and therefore no similarity should be drawn,” said Sheikh Amir Banda.

South Coast Residents Association Chairperson Lucciana Parrazzi said that they don’t support the putting up of the crematorium because the area is predominantly a Muslim area and their wishes must be respected.