Lang’ata Cemetery video: Punishment Gen Zs seen playing with human skulls, bones could face

A viral video showing a group of young women handling human skeletal remains at Lang’ata Cemetery in Nairobi has sparked public outrage, raising questions about the legal consequences they could face under Kenyan law.

The footage, which circulated on social media over the November 7–8, 2026 weekend, shows the women picking up and examining exposed bones, including a human skull, ribs and other skeletal remains.

One of the women also appeared to give an impromptu biology lesson as she pointed out different bones, with the footage drawing criticism from Kenyans who questioned the treatment of human remains at a burial ground.

The incident has prompted discussions about respect for the dead, the security of burial sites and whether those involved could face criminal charges.

Under Section 136 of the Penal Code (Cap 63), trespassing on burial places and offering indignity to a human corpse under specified circumstances is an offence classified as a misdemeanour.

The provision applies to individuals who trespass in a burial place or offer indignity to a human corpse with the intention of wounding another person’s feelings or insulting their religion, or knowing that their actions are likely to have such an effect.

This means that investigators would need to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and whether the legal requirements under the section were met.

Section 137 of the Penal Code also addresses the unlawful interference with dead bodies.

It states that anyone who, without lawful authority, disinters, dissects or harms the dead body of another person commits a misdemeanour.

The provision could become relevant if investigations establish that the individuals unlawfully interfered with or harmed human remains.

Although Sections 136 and 137 classify the offences as misdemeanours, the Penal Code provides for a general punishment under Section 36.

The provision states that where no specific punishment has been prescribed for a misdemeanour, an offender is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, a fine or both.

However, the applicable charge and eventual sentence would depend on the evidence presented, the circumstances of the incident and the court’s determination.

Beyond the conduct captured in the footage, the incident has renewed concerns about the condition and management of Lang’ata Cemetery.

Some Kenyans have questioned how human skeletal remains could be accessible to visitors, calling on relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances and ensure proper protection of burial sites.

The video has also attracted humorous reactions from some social media users, with others expressing disbelief at the apparent fearlessness of the young women.

Any criminal proceedings would require investigations to establish the identities of those involved and determine whether their actions amounted to offences under Kenyan law.

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