STANDARD]
A clan in Kakamega is rupholding a tradition that could be considered weird by many. All prominent persons from the clan must be buried in a sitting position.

Because the Angusu-Musitsialo clan of Wanga sub-tribe of the Abaluhya still insist on observing the tradition, this was the send-off the family of the late Peter Gisienya adopted.


The 80-year-old was chair of elders in Ikolomani. Residents of Mutaho village flocked the home to witness this prominent elder’s burial.

According to the deceased’s elder brother, Museve Athnus, the culture of burying people in a sitting position began long before they moved from Mumias to Ikolomani area.
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According to the elders, the genesis of this custom started many years ago after one elderly man went to herd his cattle and did not return home.

The family went to look for him but found him dead while still in a sitting position on the traditional stool he used to sit on while looking after his animals. They took his body home and buried it in the normal laying down position.

A few days after the burial, people started dying mysteriously until the clan sensed there was something wrong. Elders appeased the gods and offered prayers. Certain clan elders then started seeing the dead old man in dreams and he commanded them to re-bury him in a sitting position ...

http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/mobile/article/2000205248/where-royalty-is-buried-seated