Ruth Matete Gets Green Light to Bury Her Nigerian Husband After 3-Month Wait

The Nigerian High Commission in Nairobi has finally allowed Kenyan gospel singer Ruth Matete to bury her husband, according to reports.

The body of Pastor John Apewajoye has been lying at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) mortuary since April 11th after the Nigerian mission blocked its release.

Apewajoye, 42, died on April 11th at KNH, where he was receiving medication for burns he suffered while allegedly trying to fix a gas cylinder at their home in Great Wall estate in Athi River on March 30th.

An autopsy showed Apewajoye succumbed to multiple organ failure occasioned by the burn injuries he sustained in the fire incident. Chief Government Pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor said the deceased suffered 60 percent burns.

After the postmortem, the Nigerian mission directed police and KNH management to hold the remains of Apewajoye until it authorizes its release.

Ruth, who is pregnant with Apewajoye’s child, was questioned by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in relation to his death.

Apewajowe’s manager and friend, Jessy Mcjessiey, a Nigerian, released a video claiming foul play into his sudden death. In the video, Jessy alleged that Matete had previously stabbed her husband on different occasions and had threatened to kill him.

Ruth, 34, has been accusing the mission of frustrating her efforts to bury her husband despite receiving consent from his family in Nigeria.

“It is common knowledge that the body cannot be subjected to a second postmortem because the initial exercise has already compromised the body. The toxicological test results are also out, so holding the body does not make sense, it only adds to her frustrations as a widow who is still mourning,” her lawyer Robert Odanga said in May.

On Saturday, Radio Citizen presenter Jerida Andayi announced that Matete is now free to lay her husband to rest.

“Finally! My lookalike and little siz Ruth Matete can now bury her husband. God is good. Kindly support her to give Pastor Beloved John a good sendoff through paybill 891300 Account number 39659. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. It’s been tough. God has shown Himself,” Jeridah said.