Drama unfolded at a funeral in Athiani Village, Makueni County, after a deceased’s family clashed with clergy over the order of proceedings.
The incident occurred during the funeral of the late Mr. Mutuku, where family members and friends insisted on having additional testimonies before the burial, while the priests cited time constraints and pushed for the funeral program to proceed.
“Go back to your seat. You just come right now. You cannot come and determine what is happening to the family. We are here to console the brother. Go back to your seat,” the priest was told.
Videos of the incident later circulated online, sparking debate over the balance between family wishes and church protocols at funerals.
How the Funeral Row Escalated, Leading to the Priest Walking Out
According to the the viral video surfacing online, the disagreement intensified when the priest moved towards the microphone, seeking to take over the proceedings and continue with the burial rites, citing time constraints.
A man at the funeral, who was controlling the session, firmly resisted the move, saying he was representing the family’s interests and insisting that tributes should continue so that no mourner was left out.
“Where? I am following the interests of the family. We cannot leave some people here who have not consoled with Mutuku. Brother, go back to the seat, and we have to console with the family, unless you give it back to them,” the speaker said.
The exchange became heated, with the man telling the priest to return to his seat and questioning why he should dictate the proceedings after arriving at the venue.
People gathered around the two sides, gesturing and raising their voices, while other family members and mourners supported the continuation of the tributes.
The confrontation eventually led the priest and other clergy to leave the funeral venue. Reports also indicated that the priest removed his vestments before walking out.
After the clergy’s departure, mourners remained at the venue, with people continuing to gather around the coffin and under the tents.
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The Makueni funeral continued without the priest, as attendees interacted in small groups and moved on to the remaining activities.
Reactions split over Makueni funeral clash
Reactions to the incident were divided, with some social media users questioning whether the funeral program had been followed.
Karinga asked: “Wasn’t there a program? Who disregarded it?”
Edwin Wachira argued that the family should have respected the priest’s schedule, saying the clergy had been invited and had provided the timings.
He added that when a burial has too many activities, the priest may conduct the Mass and leave the catechist to conclude proceedings at the grave.
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Esther Marugah called for cooperation between the church and the bereaved family, saying: “the church should work with the family on a program that is a win-win.”
Another user, Gitari Nicholus, said the clergy used the wrong approach but added that the disagreement was resolved and the burial proceeded well.
Other reactions were more critical of the clergy’s role at funerals. Mosinhio_art questioned the authority given to church leaders in matters of faith, while Hon. GG Wachira made a sarcastic comment about the priest’s role and questioned what additional assistance clergy provide to families during funerals.
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