TikTok Mortician Ann Mwangangi Reveals Emotional Struggles in Her Daily Work, Cites Low Payments

Kenya’s well-known TikTok mortician, Ann Mwangangi, recently opened up about the emotional challenges she faces in her profession, particularly when handling the bodies of children.

Speaking to a local TV station, Mwangangi described how her work begins the moment a body arrives at her facility and the immense responsibility that comes with it.

“The hardest moments are when I deal with infants. No training can prepare you for that pain,” she said.

“Taking a baby from a mother’s arms is something you carry with you. 

You feel the parents’ grief deeply, in ways words cannot explain.”

Mwangangi shared the step-by-step process of preparing bodies for viewing.

She starts by confirming the deceased’s identity and reviewing documents such as the cause of death.

The body is then moved to the cold room, where she performs careful examinations, cleans and disinfects, drains fluids when needed, and restores facial features to give a natural appearance.

Finally, she applies subtle oils and makeup, allowing families to see their loved ones with dignity.

Beyond these technical tasks, Ann emphasized the importance of emotional support.

She often spends time with grieving families, listening to their stories and guiding them through burial or post-mortem procedures.

“Sometimes just sitting with someone in silence can bring comfort. That part of the work is not taught in school,” she explained.

Despite her growing online presence, Mwangangi revealed that the profession comes with its own challenges.

Long hours, low pay, and constant exposure to death take a toll on morticians. Many in her field earn around Ksh 20,000 monthly, with little access to mental health support.

“Morticians are some of the most overlooked healthcare workers.

People rarely see the care and compassion that goes into our work,” she said.

Her motivation to become a mortician stems from personal loss.

After losing her mother, Ann struggled to process her grief and wished she had guidance through the mourning process.

This inspired her to dedicate her career to helping others navigate similar pain.

“Experiencing loss without support made me want to guide families through grief. That is what led me to this path,” she noted.