A dispute has reportedly emerged between the family of the late Kikuyu gospel singer Rachel Muthoni Wandeto and her husband over who should take charge of her burial arrangements.
According to reports, the husband wants to be allowed to bury the singer, with whom he reportedly lived and raised children.
However, Wandeto’s family is said to have opposed the move, insisting that they are the ones entitled to conduct the burial rites.
Sources indicate that the family argues the man had not formally completed the traditional Kikuyu marriage process, including the payment of bride price, commonly referred to as “ruracio.”
Under Kikuyu customs, failure to complete dowry negotiations and payment may deny a man the cultural right to bury a woman regarded as his wife.
The disagreement comes just days after President William Ruto donated Ksh 1.6 million towards the singer’s funeral following the tragic attack that led to her death.
Wandeto suffered severe injuries after being attacked and doused with petrol in an incident that shocked many Kenyans.
Reports indicated that the attack was allegedly linked to a tattoo bearing President Ruto’s name.
