This archive report was first published on 25 August 2019.
On August 25, 2019, a heated confrontation erupted at a rally in Kamkunji grounds where Raila Odinga, the leader of the ODM party, was introducing the party's candidates for the upcoming Kibra by-election.
Imran Okoth, a candidate vying for the Kibra seat, was booed and jeered by the crowd after he was accused of disrespecting the Luo community's customs by cremating his brother Ken Okoth, a former Kibra MP, contrary to Luo traditions.
Ken Okoth had written in his will that he wanted to be cremated, but his brother Imran went against his wishes and cremated him, sparking outrage among the Luo community.
According to Luo customs, cremating a deceased person is considered a taboo and a disrespect to the community's traditions.
"Twambie kwenye Biblia ni nani ashaiwai kuchomwa, kama yey ameandika will yake basi yeye si Mjaluo. Hakuna mjaluo ambaye amewai kuteketezwa, hilo hatutakubali," said a community leader.
Imran Okoth's actions have now turned into a major scandal in the ODM party, with many questioning his suitability to succeed his brother in the Kibra seat.
