A strange and dramatic video has gone viral online, showing a man being lowered into a grave while still alive. The footage, which has attracted thousands of reactions on social media, features Ernest Jakata taking part in a mock funeral scene to test a coffin-lowering device.
How the Unusual Scene Unfolded
In the clip, shared by Jakata himself on TikTok, he is seen lying flat on the straps of the coffin-lowering gear. Dressed casually in brown khaki trousers, a black hoodie, and matching black sneakers, he positioned himself as if he were a dead person about to be buried.
His head faced upward, and his body remained still as the equipment operators slowly lowered him into the six-foot cemented grave.
The purpose of the act, according to the handlers, was to confirm whether the gear was working properly and could safely lower a coffin during an actual funeral. Jakata volunteered to play the role of the deceased, allowing the team to test its strength and stability.
Cameraman Adds Humor with Funeral Song
To make the moment even more unusual, the cameraman began singing a solemn funeral hymn. His lyrics echoed the kind of words normally heard during a real burial ceremony:
“Let us sing, now we say goodbye. In due time we shall follow you too. Death was promised, we cannot prevent it. When our time comes, we shall meet again.”
Those present laughed as the cameraman’s song gave the bizarre demonstration a touch of dark humor. At the same time, one of the handlers jokingly announced that they were escorting their “chairman” to his final resting place. Another chimed in, saying, “We are taking Mr. Jakata home; he is gone now.”
The video ended with Jakata lying at the bottom of the grave, showing that the coffin-lowering equipment was in good condition and could handle the task it was meant for.
Social Media Reactions
The clip sparked heated debate online, with TikTok users flooding the comment section. Some found it hilarious and creative, praising Jakata for his boldness, while others were disturbed by the act and called it disrespectful.
- Mwachaka commented: “Nimeamini hakuna kitu kinatisha Wakenya sasa.” (I now believe nothing scares Kenyans anymore.)
- Molly Nyasamia said: “Like seriously, anyway, mwendo umeumaliza kaka.” (You have truly tested the journey, brother.)
- Bonnie Bonnie joked: “Mnatoa wapi time ya hizi comedies, marehemu atasema kuna mtu aliingia wa kwanza.” (Where do you even get time for these comedies? Even the dead might say someone entered the grave before them.)
- Lynn expressed concern: “Kuna mchezo zingine haki, sasa hiyo kamba ikikatika agonge kichwa akufe ya ukweli.” (Some games are dangerous. What if the rope snapped and he actually died?)
- Selpher Andere laughed: “Herí huyu ashaonja vile kaburi ina taste, atakuwa na experience siku ya ikifika.” (At least he has tasted what the grave feels like, so he will have experience when his day comes.)
- Shantelbecky5 argued: “Inafaa kua hivi actually, sasa hizi masanduku za bei kali mtu hayuko hai azifai kabisa.” (This is how it should be. These expensive coffins are a waste for people who are no longer alive.)
- Tom Djorou wondered: “Ni nini watu wameogopa siku hizi mpaka testing inafanyiwa kwa grave?” (What are people so afraid of nowadays that even testing is done inside the grave?)
- Lavin Bever made a funny request: “Kumbe kunakuwanga na kalifti, mimi nikifa mnishukishe tena mnipandishe juu, tena chini, tena juu hadi niwaambie enough ndo mnifunike na mchanga.” (So there is a lift system? When I die, lower me down, bring me up, again and again, until I say enough—then cover me with soil.)
Related Case: Man Buried Without a Coffin in Migori
This is not the first unusual burial-related story to spark public attention. Recently, residents of Migori County buried a 40-year-old man without a coffin. Instead, his body was wrapped in an old blanket and laid to rest without farewell songs.
Locals explained that the man had never contributed to the burial expenses of others, so no one assisted when he died.
The incident, which took place in North East Kadem location, Nyatike sub-county, also left Kenyans divided, with some calling it undignified while others said it reflected fairness in community traditions.
Final Thoughts
The case of Ernest Jakata being lowered into a grave as part of a coffin-lowering gear test has left Kenyans with mixed emotions.
While some view it as a harmless joke and a creative way to check funeral equipment, others see it as insensitive and dangerous.
The reactions highlight how cultural practices around death and burial continue to spark deep conversations, laughter, and at times, discomfort among Kenyans.
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