There was visible tension at the Kitale home of the late former Lugari Member of Parliament Cyrus Jirongo after a man confronted elders who wanted to perform traditional rituals on the body. The moment, captured in a widely shared photo and video, showed a heated exchange as mourners looked on.
The incident happened as Jirongo’s body arrived at his home for burial preparations. A group of Tiriki elders had proposed that certain customs be observed before the body could be taken into the compound. These practices included changing the usual entry route into the homestead, based on old traditions linked to death under tragic circumstances.
Standing before the crowd, the man firmly opposed the move and blocked the elders from proceeding. He argued that the family’s wishes should come first and that no one should force rituals that the immediate family did not understand or accept. His actions drew strong reactions from both sides, with some supporting his stand while others defended the elders.
The disagreement briefly disrupted the burial program as emotions rose. Security personnel and family members worked to calm the situation and prevent it from escalating further. Despite the tension, the body was eventually allowed into the compound through the main gate, following the decision taken by the funeral committee.
By Creatorhub