Reliable reports coming from Mali has it that the Senegalese embassy in Bamako has agreed to transport Kukoi’s dead body back to his relatives in Dakar for proper burial. The report indicates that the Senegalese embassy was initially reluctant to get involve in Kukoi’s demise claiming that it is not their policy to transport dead bodies back to their country. However, intense consultations and pressure from representatives of Amnesty International based in Dakar who accused the Senegalese Government of being allegedly responsible for Kukoi’s death may have persuaded the embassy to pay for the transportation expenses.
Main while reports also indicated that Kukoi’s real son is about 20 years old and lives in Senegal. “He is old enough to make decisions on where his father should be buried” our source insinuated. Kukoi until his demise was living with another son of his who he adapted from Siera Leone during the civil war. Unfortunately, the son reportedly struggles to host his father as he did not have the resources to adequately take care of Kukoi or pay for his food and medical expenses.
In another development, close sources alleged fears that President Jammeh may possibly want to claim Kukoi’s body and accord it a proper burial in an effort to get another cheap publicity. This allegation may lend credence to the reason why Gambian Foreign Minister Susan Waffa Ogoo is enroute to Dakar at this hour.
There is also a possibility that President Jammeh may be worried about Kukoi’s alleged claims of being poisoned and as a result if Jammeh gets hold of the body he can disposed it so there is no chance of future opportunities to exhume the body and test it for evidence of poisoning. While Kukoi’s death continue to be surrounded by controversy, civil society and rights groups wants to ensure that his body is properly handed over to his family and not President Jammeh. Kukoi’s family also needs to be cautious that President Jammeh does not use money to influence how his burial is handled for cheap publicity. We will continue to monitor the situation and bring you reports accordingly.