This archive report was first published on 29 August 2019.
Kakamega Family Lives in Fear After Relatives Demand Proper Burial ¶
August 29, 2019
A family in Kakamega, Kenya, is living in fear after relatives of a deceased man allegedly demanded proper burial, including removing items placed on his body.
The deceased, Pius Shipanda Shitsukane, was a former assistant chief in the Shiseso area and was buried recently. However, his relatives claim that he was disrespecting their customs and traditions by refusing to be buried according to their norms.
According to the relatives, Shipanda was buried with items such as a pair of shoes, a watch, and other personal belongings, which is against the Luhya community's customs. The relatives claim that they have been suffering since his burial and are now demanding that the family remove the items from his body.
"It's against our community's customs to bury someone with items like a watch, shoes, or other personal belongings," said Lawrence Alusiola, a community elder. "Those who have broken this custom have been punished and forced to remove the items from the deceased's body."
Another community elder, Elias Khwani, also expressed similar sentiments, saying that they have seen cases where families have been tormented by relatives who have broken their customs and traditions.
"We have seen cases where families have been tormented by relatives who have broken our customs and traditions," Khwani said. "When they are buried with items that are not allowed, they are later tormented by their relatives, who demand that they be removed."
The family is now living in fear, with some members reportedly suffering from mental health issues due to the stress and anxiety caused by the situation.
"My wife has been suffering since my burial," said Shipanda's wife. "She has been hospitalized due to the stress and anxiety caused by the situation."
The community is now calling on the family to remove the items from Shipanda's body and bury him properly according to their customs and traditions.
"We urge the family to remove the items from the deceased's body and bury him properly according to our customs and traditions," said the community elder.
Source: Tuko
