A Reflection on the Contemporary Application and Relevance of Traditional Death Rituals of Christian Maragoli of Western Kenya

• Author(s): Kagali Chabuga Oscar ; Susan M. Kilonzo ; Daniel Kasomo
• Paper ID: 1707130
• Page: 183-198
• Published Date: 08-02-2025
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 8 Issue 8 February-2025

Abstract

Death rituals in Africa are given a lot of attention. This is because the departed souls are believed to transition to next world where they continue to be in touch and in communion with the living. The rituals are therefore believed to be ways of communication between the living and the dead, but also a way of preparing and ensuring the departed are comfortably ushered in to the next world. The article relied on field data collected from the Maragoli community in Western Kenya to understand the applicability and relevance of traditional death rituals in this community. The article centres highlights the different types of death and although it does not explore the rituals in these types of deaths, it picks a case of “normal death” and aims to explain the rituals that are related to this type of death. Using mainly key informant interviews, the article explains what exactly happens from the time a “normal death” occurs until after the burial ceremony. The idea is to highlight that even in the contemporary society, African communities are keen on the observances that speak to kith and kin while living, and after death.

Keywords

Maragoli, Western Kenya, Death Rituals, Luvego, Pentecostal Assemblies of God (PAG), Traditional Practices, Burial Rituals.

Citations

IRE Journals:
Kagali Chabuga Oscar , Susan M. Kilonzo , Daniel Kasomo "A Reflection on the Contemporary Application and Relevance of Traditional Death Rituals of Christian Maragoli of Western Kenya" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 8 Issue 8 2025 Page 183-198

IEEE:
Kagali Chabuga Oscar , Susan M. Kilonzo , Daniel Kasomo "A Reflection on the Contemporary Application and Relevance of Traditional Death Rituals of Christian Maragoli of Western Kenya" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 8(8)