A burial ceremony in Siaya County was abruptly halted following a dramatic conflict between two co-wives over where their late husband should be laid to rest.
The deceased, a resident of Ugambe village in Ugenya sub-county, was set to be buried on Saturday. However, the burial plans were thrown into disarray after the first wife obtained a court order blocking the ceremony organized by the second wife.
Sources indicate that all burial arrangements had been completed, and the body was to be collected from the mortuary on Friday. The second wife had planned the burial at a home she shared with the deceased.
But in a surprising twist, the first wife—who had been separated from the man for several years—resurfaced, claiming her right as the original spouse to oversee the burial. She insisted that the funeral should take place at the man’s ancestral home rather than at the residence built by him and the second wife.
Sega sub-location Assistant Chief Emmanuel Opondo confirmed the dispute, noting that traditional customs prohibit the first wife from entering the second wife’s homestead, which was established after their separation.
“This situation has caused both cultural and legal complications. The court will now have to decide who has the legitimate right to bury the deceased,” the chief said.
The matter is set for urgent hearing at the Ukwala Law Court on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
