An 85‑year‑old grandmother from Kolando in Kisumu was left in tears when police intervened in her son’s burial after a woman presented a letter claiming ownership of the family’s land.

The family had already gathered mourners, erected tents and dug a grave when the claim was made, prompting police to halt the ceremony and return the body to the Port Florence mortuary.

The grandmother says her family has occupied the disputed plot for 54 years and that her late son was born on the land around 1955, expecting to be buried there.

With the burial halted, the family has no certainty when the body will be laid to rest and is appealing to local authorities, clan elders and the courts for a resolution.

The great‑granddaughter posted videos of the incident on social media, drawing public attention to the family’s plight and the timing of the police intervention.

The grandmother, speaking through tears, made a direct plea to the courts and anyone in a position to help, emphasizing the emotional toll of being unable to bury her son on the land he knew all his life.