Village treated to rare traditional burial

Residents of Luvusi Village in Bungoma East District were treated to a rare ritual when a 90-year-old man was wrapped in a skin and buried without being placed in a coffin.

The traditional burial — the norm in western Kenya up to the 1950s — caught most area residents by surprise and many surged forward to witness Mzee Mavachi Mandira accorded the unique burial befitting his status.

As the body was brought from his hut wrapped in a blanket, girls and married women who had not reached menopause were warned to keep off the grave lest they attract curses.

Split into two

A bull was slaughtered at 9am and its skin split into two pieces that were used to cover the body. The burial was done before 1pm in line with the traditions of Bang’achi clan of the Luhya’s Tachoni sub-tribe.

“The blanket must be in between the two pieces of animal skin. We treasure our traditions and my father must be accorded such a decent burial in respect of his wishes. He cannot be buried in a coffin as that is an alien thing,” said Mr Peter Musambai, the dead man’s nephew.

He said the rituals would last three days, each day with its own unique programme. The ceremonies are conducted under the keen watch of elders, who understand and observe the traditions.

“On the second day, we shall witness cows adorned in various attire mourn the dead. Villagers will arrive with their animals for the occasion before the final day that will see an elder lead the way in sharing out what the deceased left,” Mr Donald Walucho said.

However, Mr Walucho said that upholding the culture was becoming a challenge as many people convert to Christianity.

“In 20 years time, this tradition risks being extinct as Christianity penetrates many homes. But, it is not something that should be thrown to the dogs because traditions are part of us and we can’t wish them away,” said Mr Walucho.

Most of the mourners present, however, said they had never witnessed such a burial. There was no room for many speakers except for few old people who eulogised the deceased.

“We have never seen someone being buried in an animal skin more so one from a cow that has just been slaughtered. Even church services are not acceptable here as only elderly men are taking care of the process,” said Mr Geoffrey Khamisi, 27.