A Kenyan identified as Mr Paul Mulinge is the man behind the wheels of the famous limousine Mercedes Benz that ferries fallen politicians and dignitaries to their graves.
Mulinge, who works at the Lee Funeral Home, has interacted with the big and mighty in Kenya. His interactions have, however, been limited to transporting cold and lifeless bodies to their final resting places.
In an interview with the Standard, Mr Mulinge indicated that ferrying corpses of dignitaries require "utmost respect and diligence as all eyes are on you".
“It is a moment that needs diligence and understanding. You have mourning relatives in the car, a convoy of police vehicles, outriders with blaring sirens, the media, saluting police officers and mourners struggling to have a glimpse of the proceedings," Mr Mulinge emphasised.
He further indicated that he has never been involved in any accident or any mechanical problem while on duty.
“I must be the most responsible driver in the procession,” he highlighted.
In his long career, Mulinge has chauffeured the corpses of former First Lady Lucy Kibaki, former Ministers John Michuki, George Saitoti, Soita Shitanda, William Ole Ntimama and Orwa Ojode. He also chauffeured billionaire businessmen Njenga Karume and Jacob Juma.
Mr Mulinge further noted that his limousine carries 3 passengers; where one is his core driver and the two are family members of the deceased. He noted that he makes no phone calls, plays no music and does not interact with the bereaved family members as his job is to strictly drive the hearse.
The driver also noted that after the funeral he and his colleague drive back without much attraction and endure traffic jams just like all other motorists.
Lee Funeral Home Chief Operating Officer Mr Paul van Brussel mentioned that the hearse is worth Sh10 Million and costs Sh65,000 to hire for one day. He, however, emphasised that the price changes in respect to distance covered and number of days hired.
The Mercedes Benz Hearse KAW 091V gained popularity after it emerged to be the preferred last ride for prominent personalities.
