A dispute has reportedly emerged between the family of late Kikuyu gospel singer Rachel Muthoni Wandeto and her husband over who should conduct her burial rites.
Husband Wants to Bury the Singer
According to reports, Wandeto’s husband wants to be allowed to bury the singer, arguing that they lived together as a family and raised children together.
However, the singer’s family is said to have strongly opposed the move.
Family Cites Kikuyu Traditional Marriage Customs
The family reportedly insists that the husband did not formally complete the traditional Kikuyu marriage process, particularly the payment of bride price, commonly referred to as “ruracio.”
Under traditional Kikuyu customs, failure to complete dowry negotiations and payment can affect recognition of a marriage and, in some cases, determine who has the cultural right to oversee burial arrangements.
The disagreement has now sparked debate online, with some Kenyans supporting the family’s cultural position while others argue that the husband should be allowed to bury the woman he lived with and shared children with.
Tragic Death Drew National Attention
The burial dispute comes days after President William Ruto donated KSh1.6 million towards Wandeto’s funeral expenses.
Wandeto died while receiving treatment after she was allegedly attacked and set ablaze by unknown assailants in Mwiki.
The singer had attracted national attention earlier after tattooing President Ruto’s name and image on her body in support of his leadership.
Authorities are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack.
