The burial of Dralon Kanga from Masana, Vihiga County, at night has left many people asking difficult questions.
While to outsiders it may seem unusual or even secretive, within sections of the Maragoli community, such a burial follows long standing traditions tied to the nature of death itself.
In Maragoli culture, not every death is treated the same. Some deaths are regarded as tragic, sudden, or unclean, especially those involving violence, murder, suicide, drowning, or other traumatic circumstances.
Dralon Kanga’s case, where she was reportedly defiled and killed, falls into this category of painful and disturbing deaths.
Because of this belief, elders often advise that such burials be conducted quietly, sometimes even at night.
The intention is not to hide the burial, but to handle what is seen as a spiritually heavy situation in a controlled and respectful way.
Loud mourning or public emotional displays are traditionally discouraged, as they are believed to disturb the spirit or attract further misfortune to the family.
In such cases, burial practices also follow specific customs. The deceased may be brought into the homestead in a symbolic way that reflects the seriousness of the death.
The burial itself is done with simplicity and silence, and elders may perform cleansing rituals before the body is laid to rest. These rituals are meant to condemn the act of killing while also seeking peace and protection for the family.
Another traditional belief is that these burials should not be turned into festive or highly public events. That is why fundraising ceremonies or celebrations are often avoided before the burial takes place.
Even though Dralon Kanga was buried at night, her memorial service is expected to take place during the day, allowing relatives, friends, and the wider community to gather and honor her life in a more open setting.
Today, these customs are still observed in some Maragoli families, although practices differ depending on religion and modern influences.