A man shared a photo of a coffin inside a makeshift “house” made of tree branches and a polythene bag “ceiling” on social media which allegedly served as the final resting place for a man who had died in the city and advised men who have gone to Nairobi to find fortune not to forget building a house back at home.
The Facebook user known as Dennis Juma seemed to laugh at men who go to the city and come back home dead, without even a place for their coffin to be placed during their funeral.
The image was a stark reminder of the importance of building a real home back in our rural communities, a place where our bodies can find rest and peace when our time on earth is done.
“When you go to Nairobi, even if you pay rent worth KSh 20,000, don’t forget to build a house back at home,” he posted in one of the groups in Western Kenya.
Some netizens supported his sentiment.
“My fellow Luhya men, please build a house to avoid embarrassments,” said Moses Wasike.
Others took a swipe at him, saying a house is not necessary in death.
“When you die, you don’t need a house; you can be put anywhere,” said Wanyama Humphrey.
“You cannot build a house where you don’t live,” said Rocksern Okusimba.
For those of who understand the cultural significance of the Luhya tradition, building a home is more than just a practical matter. It is a symbol of our commitment to our roots, our love for our families, and our desire to leave a legacy that will endure beyond our own lifetimes.
Discover the pulse of Western Kenya with WKT – your go-to digital media platform for real-time updates, rich perspectives, and powerful stories that matter.
