This archive report was first published on 27 September 2019.
On September 27, 2019, a special bull was slaughtered at the Eor Enkitok home in Narok, marking the start of the burial ceremony activities for Hassan Ole Kamwaro, the former Transport and Licensing Board chairman who died of cancer at the age of 75 in Oklahoma, USA.
According to Joseph ole Karia, a Maasai elder, the bull was chosen by elders of repute from Kamwaro's clan to indicate that the head of the family has passed on. The meat from the bull was roasted on an open fire, with the pieces from the right side served to members of Kamwaro's nuclear family, beginning with his sons, daughters, and lastly his mother.
As per Maasai tradition, none of the mourners were allowed to eat the meat until the family was full. The ritual is a cleansing ceremony for the family and a traditional send-off to a head of the family, observed to prevent the dead man from leaving any bad omen to the family.
The same ritual was performed during the burial of former Cabinet minister William Ole Ntimama. After the burial, all of Kamwaro's sons were required to wear a special metal bracelet to indicate that they had lost their father.
Notable politicians, including ODM leader Raila Odinga, Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, and Narok County governor, are expected to attend the funeral.
