Over the past few weeks, Kenyans have had different opinions on whether to bury or have their loved ones cremated. To some, they are convinced cremation is not part of the African culture especially to those of Christian faith. Christians strongly believe in the words of the bible that say, from “Dust you came from and you shall return”.
Some of the Luo Council of Elders had opposed the cremation of the body of the late Kibra MP Ken Okoth saying it offends Luo customs. The elders had vowed that they would not allow the MP’s body to be burnt. Other Kenyans felt it was unfair because the same elders never showed up when one is struggling with life and disease. Where were they when “their son” was living in a hovel and struggling with education in Kibera?
A video surfaced online of a woman in distress claiming it was unfair for Monica (Okoth’s wife) to go against Luo’s traditions. The woman spoke of her rich Luo culture claiming they don’t recognise cremation, and that Luo’s prefer to bury their dead adjacent to their houses. It is how they grieve. This, in turn, had Kenyans talking majority terming her actions as those that portray selfishness.
Nothing explains the bewilderment of cremation to the rural Luo mother. Thanks @leemakwiny for the video… pic.twitter.com/qN3c35fG2E
— DD (@Disembe) August 5, 2019
Here were some reactions.
On point…….there are some things that should not be left for the ‘wife’ to determine after the death of the husband.
— Fred (@fredwonwon) August 5, 2019
Your spouse [wife/husband] is considered to be the nearest person to you. And by the law he/she is always the one who should make final decisions on your disposal when you die.
— Isaiah (@isaiahmng) August 5, 2019
What has Mzungu done jameni. These people don’t want us to have more Obamas. They only want us to keep siring the corrupt silly people like uhuru and his surrogates, right?
— juma stephen (@jumasteve) August 5, 2019
Pain of a mother its comes from the heart manze ……..we should respect our parents when it comes to decision making
— Saina Timon (@saina_timon) August 5, 2019
Mimi kijana yetu kisakufa apana kuchoma akwende huko na hiyo yurupian yake huko sisi apana take maneno
— ojwangmichael@yahoo.com (@ojwangmichaely1) August 5, 2019
About the European and the kikuyu…. This woman Monica lived a private life with his husband he helped mould him in ways we do not know…. People wanting financial gain on a dead person account is not 🆕 in Africa
— Angela korio (@angiecorie) August 5, 2019
Kabondo people have spoken. “Hatutaki Pesa Yetu Iende Yuropian
— Unemployed Professor (@WRadigo) August 5, 2019
Thus matter is gonna be contentious
— MACHIAVELLI (@KingRagen21) August 5, 2019