Woman Buried privately Two Years After Sharing Funeral Budget on Facebook

A 29-year-old woman from Elgeyo Marakwet County, Sandra Kiprono, has been laid to rest in a quiet ceremony, two years after she posted a detailed funeral budget on Facebook and urged people not to attend her burial.

Kiprono was buried at her family’s home in Kiplabai village, Kapsowar, following her death from what authorities described as natural causes. Police have ruled out foul play. The resurfacing of her 2023 Facebook post has led to renewed focus on mental health challenges faced by young people in Kenya. 

In the message, Kiprono outlined funeral expenses totalling over Sh100,000, with specific allocations for a coffin, mortuary fees, transport and family support. She also requested that politicians and acquaintances not attend her funeral, citing the lack of support she received during her life.

Kapsowar Sub-county Police Commander Fanuel Nasio confirmed that Kiprono had worked as a sales representative for a microfinance institution. He said she had faced several personal difficulties at the time of the post, including financial hardship and family separation. Some officers who knew her contributed to her burial expenses.

Friends and former classmates described her as intelligent and reserved, noting that she often kept her struggles to herself. Local residents expressed regret at not recognising the signs of distress earlier.