Central Nyanza; Alego, Ugenya, Gem particularly Siaya county is one of the counties that has produced great people in our society. From great musicians, scholars, leaders and even footballers, Siaya county is without a doubt the most blessed part of Nyanza region. This is where most Luo moneybags hail from.
Well, the late slain IEBC ICT manager Chris Msando was a son of this land and was buried in Lifunga village, Ugenya constituency, Siaya County on Saturday. Many eulogized Msando as a humble and caring man and in her glowing tribute to her late husband, Eva said Msando loved and cherished his family and his departure has left a big vacuum.
"CHRISTOPHER, OSIEPA, I HAVE NO WORDS TO EXPLAIN WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO US. THIS IS TOO SUDDEN, TOO SOON. WHAT I CAN ASSURE YOU IS TAHT YOUR LEGACY WILL LIVE ON IN YOUR BEAUTIFUL CHILDREN AND YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN, THAT I PROMISE. YOU ARE MY HERO, MY FRIEND AND FOREVER WILL BE. REST IN PEACE UNTIL WHEN WE MEET ON THE BEAUTIFUL SHORE."
Well, just like is a norm in Luo culture after every burial, a song and dance ceremony known as Disco Matanga or THUM in the Dholuo dialect led by a live band is held the same night to celebrate the dead and wish him well, the same was done for Msando. During this ceremony, people from all neighboring villages join the bereaved families in celebrating the life of their loved one.
A video of Eva Buyu, the late Msando's widow dancing to some Ohangla music has surfaced and some people are not happy. Perhaps they don't understand the Luo culture.
The video has ignited mixed reactions among social media users and here is what some of them had to say;
John: Haiya, hope it's the culture that dictates not a celebration
Sheldon: that's a celebration dance, not a mourning dance.
Penina: In Luo culture, we Dance as way of sending the spirit
Anyango: Ugenya people thank you for bringing back her smile. Those who don't understand this kaeni mukishanga.Eva ch am Thum tho luro. Let her move on with a smile and Not with tears
Chris: After all, she will enjoy life after, the era when death appeared the end of world is no longer with us,
Liz: A much better way than my community which drowns their sorrow with a frothy one.
Leah: Woiye She is lonely already.The dance is only physical.She is not showing any signs of excitement.May God get her out of Grieve.And may God her another marriage Partner soonest.
Oduk: What's wrong with people celebrating their culture?That's how we do it with swaggaristic bila apologies.
Lumumba: Ms. Eve, Dance like nobody is watching because those watching and complaining & judging you are absolutely nobodies!
Kevin: cultures are diverse...we have to appreciate that...in western and Luo cultures, mourning is done 'actively.'...and 'loudly'...nothing uncommon in this...
Antony: This is Luo and Luhya culture. I lost a Kikuyu wife in 2009. Most of her relatives had never known about Disco Matanga till that day.
Erick: Luo culture is deeply rooted! We dance to Ohangla or Nyatiti and take some strong Ugenya brewed Changaa to appease the spirits. Appreciate our culture
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