This archive report was first published on 20 July 2020.
On July 18, 2020, thousands of fans of Ohangla musician Maureen Achieng, popularly known as Lady Maureen, gathered at her parents' home in Migori County to give her a befitting send-off.
Despite Ministry of Health directives on COVID-19 safety, the fans defied the rules and overwhelmed the police as they led the huge crowd in an enthralling funeral procession along the Migori-Masara highway to the musician's parents' home.
The funeral was attended by more than 150 ohangla and benga musicians, including popular benga artiste Dolla Kabary and ohangla musician Evance Ochieng, alias Prince Inda.
Gor Mahia FC fans also arrived in style to pay their last respects to one of the club's biggest fans who churned out special tunes in praise of legends, players, and the club.
As the mourners made their way to the burial site, they donned green Gor Mahia FC football jerseys, blew vuvuzelas, waved twigs, clubs, and drums, wailed, honked motorcycle and vehicle horns, sang dirges, and danced through the streets of Migori.
Police watched helplessly as the crowd completely disregarded social distancing rules and the requirement to wear face masks.
At around midday, the musician was laid to rest with the Gor Mahia fans surrounding the grave.
According to Jaro Soja, a diehard fan of Gor Mahia, they went to bury their hero since her songs kept the spirit of the football team alive.
