Rare Funeral Rite in Khwirale Village, Busia County
Following the death of a 60 year old man in Khwirale village, Nambale, Busia County, his son in law was tasked to perform a very rare cultural rite unique to the local community. During the planning of the man’s funeral, it was confirmed that the son in law had not introduced himself as per the local community’s cultural norm. The issue became more complicated because the son in law was already living with the man’s daughter as husband and wife. The funeral’s planning committee together with local community elders advised the son in law requested the son in law to bring specific items such as a blanket given to the in-laws during marriage introductions. The son in law heeded the elders advise and brought the items just before the burial. During the burial, the son in law had to cover the grave with the blanket he had brought as part of the rite. The rite ended with music and dance which forms part of marriage introductions.
