This archive report was first published on 31 July 2019.
On July 31, 2019, the paternal family of the late Kibra Member of Parliament Ken Okoth expressed their opposition to plans by his immediate family to cremate him at a private function.
Speaking to the media, family spokesman Raymond Mbai stated that the late MP deserved to be laid to rest next to his father's grave at Amoso village in Kochia ward, Homa Bay County.
The family also expressed interest in being involved in any burial plans for the late legislator by the organizing committee in Nairobi.
According to Mr. Mbai, 'In the Luo tradition, we have never heard that when somebody dies they are burnt; that is not our culture. We have never heard such a thing, so we have got no idea about that.'
Mr. Mbai further emphasized that the family would not wish their cousin Ken Okoth to be cremated, as it is against the Luo tradition and their cultural belief.
Leonard Otieno, another family member, stated that traditionally, if Okoth is brought home, then his mother, Anjeline Ajwang, should also be welcomed and brought home to be close to her son's grave.
Preparations are underway at Okoth's maternal home where his body is expected to land before it's taken to Got Rateng' Secondary School for public viewing and prayers before interment.
