Chaos as youths fight chiefs, demand disco at chief's funeral

A funeral at a village in Kilifi County turned chaotic when youngsters demanded a disco, which was against the wishes of local administrators.

The group went to Gotani Village in Kaloleni Sub-county on Friday night to mourn their friend, Chief Lawrence Santa Kazungu.

STANDOFF

The body was taken from Kilifi County Hospital mortuary that day ahead of the burial on Saturday.

The youths demanded a disco lasting the whole night but chiefs and their assistants stood their ground and refused to play the music they brought.

The youths explained that Mr Kazungu enjoyed dancing at discos while the administrators said he was a respected colleague so they could not give in to the demands.

Senior chief Joseph Kapalia, of Mwanamwinga location, put off the music that had been playing, prompting the youths to start throwing stones at the tent where the body was.

Mr Kapalia then called for reinforcement from Gotani Police Post, whose officers responded promptly and dispersed the youngsters.

WARNING

Addressing mourners during the burial, Kaloleni Deputy County Commissioner Reuben Rotich said discos will not be allowed during the end-year holidays.

Mr Rotich warned those who defy the order that their equipment will be confiscated.

He said it is a shame that 39 girls who completed this year’s national primary school examinations were pregnant.

Mr Rotich that funeral discos are a contributing factor as school children attend them.

“We are going to deal firmly with those who defy the ban on discos. We urge parents to take up their child mentorship roles throughout the holidays," he said.

Mr Kazungu was the chief of Kinagoni location.

He died after suffering breathing complications at Joacham Hospital in Mombasa.

Morris Dzoro, of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission, attributed youth immorality to abdication of responsibilities by parents. He regretted that some have left parenting to teachers.