Family Reveals Cultural Reasons Behind Chemutai’s Burial Despite Court Order

The family of the late Chemutai Rosemary has explained why they proceeded with her burial despite a court order, saying the decision was guided by Kalenjin cultural traditions and a resolution by clan elders.

Speaking at her memorial, a clan leader said that under Kalenjin customs, burial decisions are made by a council of male clan elders, especially in cases where the circumstances surrounding a death require cultural guidance.

According to the family, a burial in their culture is traditionally expected to take place within three or four days.

However, they delayed Chemutai’s burial while waiting for her husband’s family to join discussions on how the burial should be conducted.

Family Dispute

Additionally, the family said several attempts were made to involve the husband’s side, but when it failed to happen within the culturally accepted timeframe, the clan elders talked and agreed that the burial should proceed.

The family also emphasized that daughters, like sons, can also own and inherit land, adding that each sibling in the family has their own allocated portion of land.

Also Read: Court Halts KCB Executive Rosemary Chemutai’s Burial After Husband’s Challenge

Addressing speculation of a dispute, the family maintained there is no grudge between Chemutai’s family and her husband’s family and said they do not intend to pursue legal action.

They added that Chemutai’s husband remains welcome to visit both the family and her final resting place whenever he wishes.

Mourning Period

Chemutai’s family further announced that they will observe the customary 40-day mourning period, after which traditional rites will be conducted.

They said the husband’s family has also been invited to participate in the cultural ceremonies.

Further, the family said Chemutai was laid to rest peacefully in accordance with the decision reached by the clan elders and urged the public to allow loved ones to mourn without further controversy.

Also Read: KCB Executive Rosemary Koech Buried Overnight Despite Court Order

Her burial comes despite an existing court order filed by Chemutai’s husband, saying he wanted to be in charge of all the burial plans for his late wife.

He had said that Chemutai’s family had deliberately left him out of the burial plans, and that is when he decided to go to court, where the burial was temporarily stopped

Follow our WhatsApp channel for instant news updates

Rosemary Chemutai. PHOTO/Standard