Migori man who has lived in cave for 30 years explains why he dug his own grave
Johnson Nyaganya, a Migori man who has lived in a cave for 30 years, has spoken candidly about why he dug his own grave near the home where he buried his late wife.
Speaking during an interview with a local TV station on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, Nyaganya said that he took the deliberate step of digging his grave just 300 metres from the house as part of his quest to find peace and live a life of his own choosing.
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He added that, much like Jesus Christ, who was laid to rest in a grave that was borrowed, he has also made preparations for his final resting place in a manner that reflects both acceptance and readiness.
“I dug my own grave just 300 metres from the house, right next to where I buried my wife. What I seek is peace and a life of my own. Even Jesus Christ was buried in a grave that had been borrowed. Me as well, I have already dug my own grave,” he said.
He said that the cave was originally constructed as a mine many years ago by individuals who have since passed away, and over time, he has adapted this space into a functional home.
Nyaganya revealed that within the cave, he has fashioned distinct areas, including a table room, a kitchen, and an upper chamber, which he uses as a shelter when the rains begin to fall.
“I have lived in this cave in Nyamilu for 30 years. This cave was a mine built long ago by those who have since died. There is a table room, a kitchen, and an upper house where I move when the rain comes,” he added.
Nyaganya revealed further that the cave contains additional features such as an underpass and a dark table room, which he constructed himself to suit his specific needs and living conditions.
He said that, in a display of resourcefulness, he built an underground water store within the cave, carefully excavating the soil, which he then repurposed to make bricks, all of which he arranged neatly outside as evidence of his labour and ingenuity.
“The more I work, the more I leave the world, and my most important master is God. There is even an underpass and a dark table room. I have built a water store underground,” he added.
He said that he believes the new generation is destined to work for the wise, while those lacking wisdom will inevitably suffer the consequences of their folly.
Nyaganya added that his life within the cave is one defined by solitude, deep faith, and practical self-sufficiency, and he continues to live in the home he has painstakingly crafted over three decades with a clear sense of purpose and spiritual conviction.
“The soil I removed while digging the water store I used to create house bricks, which I have placed outside. The new generation to come works for the wise man and the next generation, but fools suffer.”
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Steve Ireri
Steve is a senior writer with over four years of experience in digital journalism. His focus is on the showbiz and human interest stories. Emails: [email protected] , [email protected]
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