Casket turned table to pay final respect

Mourners were left to sit on their own anxiety and swim in their confusion when family and friends turned a casket into a table – paying their final respects.

It is believed that the deceased man was very generous and practised hospitality. To reflect the same, they decided to take the meal served on top of the casket in turns to ensure that most people got the chance to bid farewell in style.

For some people, this act was tough to understand as it did not move in life with customs and tradition. To some, it wasn’t much of a big deal but for others, it was seen as a bad omen.

"We are celebrating the acts of our father, including giving food to the hungry and we are very happy indeed." Son-in-law of the deceased said.

In the Luo community, once dead, on is required to spend a day or two in his/her home before being buried. With the man’s body inside, the coffin served the purpose of a table, where people could eat and drink.

Those who feared the dead could not even come close to the house. "I came yesterday and since then I’m watching from a distance because I can collapse from seeing this strange taboo," a neighbour was heard saying.

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This took place in Nyandorera, Siaya County where mourners from different communities who attended the burial ceremony, got to see something they have never seen before.