Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
FOR 28 years, Heater Murongi has kept a profound secret in his heart.
The head of mortuary services at Doves Funeral Services, a veteran of nearly three decades in the solemn realm of the departed, encounters the blunt reality of mortality almost daily.
Yet this intimate knowledge of the afterlife remains shrouded in secrecy, carefully concealed from his children and neighbours.
In a world often associated with fear and superstition involving the deceased, many people shudder to think what undertakers go through.
The very act of touching a lifeless form is met with unease and aversion by many.
It is within this sombre landscape that Murongi and his dedicated colleagues shoulder the weighty responsibility of tending the departed.
Amidst the poignant grief and tearful farewells of grieving families, this towering figure of quiet strength maintains a composed demeanour, guiding them through the intricate rituals of mourning.
As an undertaker, his role is paramount, encompassing every facet of the funeral process — from the solemn removal of the deceased from the place of death to the final resting place.
Since 1997, Murongi has served as an indispensable pillar of support during numerous State funerals, his presence a comforting constant amidst the sombre pageantry.
Over the years, the undertaker has honed his skills with meticulous precision, mastering the delicate art of reconstructing bodies shattered by tragic accidents.
His duties extend beyond the solemn, encompassing the meticulous preparation of the deceased for their eternal slumber — washing the body, applying a touch of make-up and adorning them in their final garments to prevent the ravages of decomposition before reaching the final resting place.
While the mere mention of “dead bodies” elicits shivers down the spines of many, Murongi approaches each funeral with the calmness of a seasoned professional.
However, societal perceptions remain stubborn with regard to the profession.
“My children and neighbours only know that I work for Doves, and for years, I have opted to keep it that way; it is difficult for me to disclose more,” said Murongi.
“There is still a lot of stigma around this occupation. People view the issue of washing and applying make-up on dead bodies as weird, hence they avoid associating with us.
“My fear was that my children would be afraid of me or fail to cope with what people say if they got to know, so I kept it away from them.
“They see me on television handling State funerals, but they have no idea what happens off-camera; however, my wife knows and has no problem with it.”
The journey
During Murongi’s formative years in Harare, his life took an unexpected turn when he shared a rented residence with a seasoned undertaker.
One fateful day, an urgent call for the removal of a deceased individual disrupted their peaceful coexistence.
Faced with a shortage of assistance, the undertaker, with a touch of calculated risk, entrusted Murongi with a portion of the solemn task.
To his own astonishment, Murongi found himself unexpectedly adept at the assignment.
This unforeseen encounter proved to be a pivotal moment. His perceptive co-tenant, recognising a latent talent, gently encouraged Murongi to consider a career as an undertaker.
Initially met with scepticism, the seed of an intriguing possibility had been planted.
In 1997, yielding to the persistent allure of this unconventional path, Murongi joined Doves Funeral Services.
At the Hamba Kahle branch in Bulawayo, he embarked on a rigorous on-the-job training programme, honing his skills in the art of embalming, maintaining the sanctity of the mortuary, ensuring the pristine condition of the funeral vehicles and providing the much-needed emotional support to bereaved families grappling with their loss.
A few months into his apprenticeship, Murongi had to deal with his inaugural assignment, an experience that would remain etched in his mind.
“The corpse was that of a Kenyan guy. My coursemate and I were given the task to conduct a body embalming procedure,” he recalls.
“His body had been discovered after some days, so it was already in a decomposing state. It took us three days to complete the task.
“After that, I just wanted to quit. I even questioned senior staff if this was the type of situation I would always be dealing with, but they assured me it was not the case.”
Support
With the unwavering support and guidance of his seniors, Murongi gradually overcame the initial trauma.
Through a series of counselling sessions, he regained his composure, emerging stronger and more resolute.
Over the years, his dedication and untiring commitment propelled him through the ranks, culminating in his appointment as a mortuary supervisor. In this pivotal role, he now imparts his invaluable expertise to a new generation of undertakers.
Murongi’s expertise is particularly invaluable during State funerals, a responsibility he shoulders with utmost dedication and professionalism.
“I have lost count of the numerous State funerals I have overseen, each one etched indelibly in my memory,” he remarks.
During these solemn occasions, the undertaker meticulously oversees every detail, ensuring the dignified preparation of the deceased and the flawless execution of the funeral procession, culminating in the final resting place.
The Covid-19 pandemic presented an unprecedented challenge, demanding unwavering resilience and commitment.
“It was a very busy and yet traumatising time. No one wants to watch so many dead bodies at one go,” he said.
“Also, the fact that we had to deviate from the normal burials and burial rites that we are accustomed to made everything difficult to process.”
Myths
Despite the shroud of myths and misconceptions that often obscures his profession, Murongi emphasises the ongoing training initiatives aimed at cultivating a new generation of dedicated undertakers.
Entry into this profession necessitates a solid academic foundation, with a minimum of five Ordinary Level passes serving as the entry point before embarking on specialised coursework.
“A society that shuns the deceased is fundamentally flawed. Someone must fulfil these essential duties, and over the years, I have developed a profound sense of calm and composure when conducting funeral services,” said the undertaker.
Dismissing the prevalent notion of supernatural encounters, he states: “I have never experienced any paranormal occurrences. These are merely fabricated tales, devoid of any factual basis in my personal experience.”
Murongi graciously offered The Sunday Mail Society an insightful glimpse into the intricate nuances of his daily interactions with mortality.
He also candidly revealed that bereaved families often present unique and sometimes unconventional requests regarding the handling of their departed loved ones.
“Each funeral presents a unique set of circumstances, dictated by the specific cultural and religious beliefs of the bereaved family,” he explains.
“While the standard procedure involves cleansing the deceased’s body and hair, followed by dressing or shrouding them, these rituals often vary significantly.
“Some families express a desire for their loved ones to appear serene and composed in their final repose, requesting the application of face powder and even make-up.
“Through years of dedicated practice, I have become adept at fulfilling these delicate requests with utmost care and sensitivity.”
The embalming room itself presents a stark contrast to the prevailing societal perceptions.
This meticulously maintained white chamber, adorned with an array of specialised tools, including scalpels, and cosmetics, serves as the sacred space where the thorough process of preparing the deceased for their eternal rest takes place.
Access to this hallowed space is strictly limited to authorised personnel, fuelling the imaginations of those awaiting the release of their loved ones, leading to a plethora of unfounded speculations.
Accusations against undertakers range from the ghoulish, such as illicit trafficking in body parts, to the bizarre, including the alleged sale of water used to cleanse the deceased for ritual purposes.
While some individuals, speaking off the record, have confessed to engaging in such reprehensible acts, Murongi vehemently denies any involvement in such illicit activities.
“I have never encountered such unethical practices and I consider these allegations baseless rumours that continue to circulate within society.”
