During a burial ceremony in Bujumba ward, Busia County, there was a moment of tension when the appointed Catholic priest unexpectedly left before completing his duties.
This incident led to the intervention of an evangelical preacher to ensure that the burial could proceed smoothly.
Wycliffe Odunga, a relative of the deceased, expressed that the priest’s hurried approach to the burial program caused unease among family members and mourners, resulting in murmurs of discontent.
“The Luhya community follows specific burial procedures, usually respected by the church. However, the priest seemed to rush through the proceedings, causing hesitation in allowing the deceased’s mother to eulogize, which unsettled mourners,” Odunga explained.
Further investigation revealed that the priest had prior commitments to attend another service where offerings were expected, which clashed with the customary practices and cultural norms surrounding burials. Tensions escalated when the priest declined a request to veil the casket before burial, leading to outcry from both sides of the family.
Feeling frustrated, the priest decided to leave the burial site abruptly, collecting the offering and disrobing before departing without completing the interment.
Despite attempts to persuade him to stay, the priest’s departure remained final. “He left angrily, claiming that another family offered him more than what was presented here,” added Wesonga, another attendee.
Mourners, angered by the situation, directed their frustration towards the Catholic choir and faithful present, accusing them of insensitivity. The choir hastily departed to avoid confrontation with protesters from Protestant and evangelical denominations.
In an effort to restore order, an evangelical preacher stepped in to conduct the remainder of the burial ceremony, ensuring a peaceful interment.
The priest denied allegations of financial motivation, attributing his departure to perceived threats to his safety. He lamented the hostility displayed by the families involved, asserting his inability to proceed under such circumstances.
