By Sharon Akose
A family in Vihiga County is locked in a dispute over who should bury a 49-year-old man, sparking fresh debate about the place of culture in modern society.
Jacktone Andayi, a native of West Bunyore died two weeks ago. His body continues to lie at the Coptic Mortuary, with his “two wives embroiled in a bitter fight fighting over his body.”
Banyore tradition dictates that only the first wife has the right to bury her husband. A ‘junior wife,’ cannot bury the husband, even if she was the one living with the man at the time of death.
“This is how our fathers lived. The senior wife is the pillar of the home. No junior wife can step over her,” explained 78-year-old elder Peter Mukabi, who has presided over several clan ceremonies.
But younger family members argue that the tradition is outdated and unfair.
“Our stepmother took care of our father in his last days. She deserves the right to bury him with dignity,” said one of the deceased’s sons, sparking murmurs of approval from others present.
The conflict highlights a wider tension between cultural expectations and modern realities.
Christianity and civil law increasingly recognize the surviving spouse, regardless of whether she is the first or junior wife. In some cases, disagreements have ended up in court, stretching burials and months or even years, fueling divisions in families.
Local church leaders are urging unity. “We must balance respect for culture with compassion for the living. What matters most is honoring the deceased with peace,” said Pastor David Mukhwana of Friends Church.
As the family deliberates, the question remains, should ancient customs define who buries the dead, or should changing times reshape this deeply sensitive rite?