“My life purpose is to work with the dead” Mortician

Mortician, Ann Wanjiku Njoki, a self-proclaimed girly girl with a passion for makeup and hairstyling, found an unexpected calling in a profession surrounded by death and grief.

At just 26 years old, she works as a mortician at St Benedict the 16th Hospital in Nyahururu,Kenya.

This is where she attends to the deceased and ensures they receive a dignified farewell.

Despite her initial interests lying in beauty and aesthetics, Ann’s journey into mortuary work was shaped by personal experiences.

The tragic death of her mother when she was only 16 years old left her and her younger brother orphaned.

This forced her to confront grief and loss at a young age.

Reflecting on her mother’s passing, Ann recalls struggling to accept the reality of death.

She initially clinged to denial in hopes that her mother would return.

This experience planted the seeds of empathy and understanding.

This motivated her to pursue a career where she could support others facing similar challenges.

In her daily routine, Ann typically begins her day early.

Ann ensures the smooth transition of bodies to the morgue and preparing them for burial ceremonies.

Despite the somber nature of her work, she approaches each task with dedication and compassion.

She strives to provide families with closure and support she wishes she had received during her own time of loss.

Transitioning into the mortuary industry was not without its challenges for Ann.

She underwent rigorous training, which took a toll on her physical and emotional well-being.

However, her perseverance paid off, leading to internships and ultimately securing a fulfilling job in the field.

Beyond her day-to-day responsibilities, Ann uses her platform on TikTok to raise awareness about her profession and dispel common misconceptions surrounding mortuary work.

She emphasizes the importance of understanding and accepting death, advocating for families to engage in the grieving process openly and without judgment.

Despite facing skepticism and stigma, Ann finds fulfillment in her role, driven by the gratitude and appreciation she receives from the families she serves.

For her, working as a mortician isn’t just a job—it’s a purpose, a calling to provide compassion and support to those navigating the difficult journey of loss.