A family of 15 was granted a rare pass out of Mombasa's Old Town on Saturday, May 9, thanks to efforts put in by Haki Africa, a national human rights organisation based in Mombasa.
According to a video shared by Daily Nation, the family had lost a relative and it took the intervention of the activist group to help them attend the burial ceremony of Mzee Noor, 70.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Hussein Khalid of Haki Africa disclosed that the pass was allowed after consultation with Mombasa Sub-county Police commander (SCPC).
He further added that the bereaved family reached out to Haki Africa via their listed hotline after which they acted pronto. They were headed to Mkoani Cemetery which is located outside Old Town.
"The burial was going to take place in the neighbouring village which is outside the Old Town. The cemetery was across the road. It is called Mkoani Cemetery.
"We contacted the police and informed them that someone had died and that they wanted to go bury and come back immediately after. They went, they buried and returned immediately after," stated Hussein
"The deceased passed away after suffering from diabetes, he passed away today, (Saturday, May 9) morning," added Hussein noting that the burial ceremony lasted for an hour.
He further explained that the 15, who were seated at the back of a pick-up, were let out in tandem with government provision that more than 15 people should not be allowed to congregate.
In the video, the officials from Haki Africa are seen convincing police officers at one of a roadblock to let the grieving family accord their loved one a decent sendoff.
After the negotiations, the pick-up is seen leaving old town with the members donning face masks as a preventive measure.
Mombasa Old Town was put under lockdown after positive Covid-19 cases kept surging with deaths reported to have hit six.
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