A dispute between two families in Sipande area of Mautuma Ward, Lugari Constituency, Kakamega County, has delayed the fulfillment of customary rites following the death of a young man, Ezekiel Masoni, who died by suicide on April 1, 2026, in a house belonging to his neighbor, the family of Mzee Patrick Mwanje.
According to Luhya customs, when such an incident occurs, the family of the deceased is required to take responsibility for demolishing the affected house and carrying out specific cleansing rituals. These include spending a night at the site and burning the structural posts after demolition.
In the days following the incident, the deceased’s family, led by his father Difrenja Masoni, initially expressed willingness to meet all the customary requirements. However, an early meeting between the two families failed to reach a comprehensive agreement on how and when the obligations would be fulfilled.
A breakthrough was later reached through mediation led by Elder Wesonga, allowing the burial to proceed. Under the verbal agreement, the deceased’s family committed to complete all remaining customary rites after the burial. These included returning to demolish the house and contributing materials—such as iron sheets—for its reconstruction.
The family has since partially fulfilled the agreement by offering a sheep, as required under custom. However, the key step of demolishing the house and initiating reconstruction has not yet been carried out, more than a week after the burial.
Elder Wesonga confirmed that both families remain bound by the agreement and expressed hope that the outstanding obligations will be honored to allow closure.
Meanwhile, the Mwanje family has announced plans to hold a harambee on Saturday, May 2, 2026, to support the rebuilding process, even as they await the deceased’s family to complete the agreed customary rites.
