Joy, shock, confusion as Embu man believed to be dead resurrects

Residents of Mbita village in Mbeere, Embu County, were left in shock after they found out that a man they thought was dead is actually still alive and hospitalized.

According to the family, Stephen Kavuti Mati died six days ago and they were already holding preparations for his burial set for the coming days.

Mr. Kevuti was admitted at the Embu Level Five Hospital following alcohol-related complications.

His father James Kariuki, on his second visit to the hospital, found his son missing from the hospital bed he was previously assigned and broke down, thinking he was dead and his body transferred to the mortuary.

Mr. Kariuki then went back home and broke the news to family and friends, upon which a burial committee was immediately formed.

The grieving period was however short lived as the committee and the family were on Wednesday informed that the boy was indeed still alive.

Joy, celebration and bits of confusion rocked the village as the burial was called off.

Embu Level Five Hospital CEO Dr. Daniel Mugendi said the patient, who was admitted while unconscious, had not been transferred to the mortuary.

According to Dr. Mugendi, the man was still on his bed but had completely covered himself when his father came to the hospital, hence, he (father) assumed that his son was dead.