This archive report was first published on 17 July 2020.
Ohangla music fans are expected to gather in large numbers to bid farewell to the late Lady Maureen, whose real name was Maureen Achieng', on Saturday, July 18, 2020. The burial will take place at her family home in Kopanga village, Suna West constituency, along the Kenya-Tanzania border.
Organizers have announced that they will enforce COVID-19 guidelines, including social distancing and the wearing of facemasks, to ensure a safe and orderly service.
John Okinyi, a fellow musician and representative of the association of Luo musicians in Migori county, emphasized the importance of adhering to these guidelines, saying, 'We called on police and government to help us enforce Covid 19 orders, and want fans to closely work with authorities to avoid chaos by coming with facemasks and maintaining social distance.'
Lady Maureen passed away on July 11, 2020, at dawn, while receiving home-based care in a cousin's home in Uriri sub-county. Her mother, Margret Atieno, revealed that the singer had been bedridden for the past year and had been discharged from Pastor Machage Hospital, where she had been battling a three-year illness.
Maureen Achieng' was born on November 22, 1984, at Seme Kombewa village and had produced several popular songs, mostly singing about key politicians in the Luo nation. Her music often sparked controversy, but it also brought her fame and recognition.
On Wednesday, Homa Bay governor Cyprian Awiti contributed Sh200,000 towards Lady Maureen's funeral expenses, while Raila's contribution was Sh100,000. Musicians like John Okinyi and Elisha Outa, also known as Elisha Toto, have expressed their gratitude for the support, but also emphasized the need for musicians to invest in their future through welfare instead of relying on politicians for help.
