Bee Swarm Attacks Mourners, Forces Suspension of Burial in Makueni County
A burial ceremony for a boda boda rider in Kibwezi, Makueni County, turned chaotic on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, when a swarm of bees suddenly attacked the gathered mourners.
The incident occurred in the Kasemeini area (or a village in Kibwezi), disrupting proceedings and sending people fleeing in panic. More than 10 individuals were stung and injured during the assault, requiring medical attention at various hospitals in the Kibwezi area. No fatalities were reported from the bee stings.
Reports suggest the bees may have been provoked or triggered by the presence of certain individuals who were reportedly not welcomed at the burial, though the exact cause remains speculative. The deceased, a motorcycle taxi operator, had tragically died in a road accident just days earlier on Sunday. Rev. Dominic Mutuku of RGC, who was presiding over the service, confirmed the funeral was immediately suspended until further notice. He appealed for calm among residents while the injured continued receiving treatment.
The bizarre disruption has drawn attention across local media, highlighting unexpected hazards even during solemn community events. Similar bee attacks on funerals have occurred in other Kenyan regions in the past, but this case in Makueni underscores the unpredictability of such incidents. Authorities and locals have not detailed any immediate plans for resuming the burial or addressing the bee swarm, as focus remains on the recovery of those affected.
