A Catholic priest in Migori County known for his unconventional approaches, has stirred fresh controversy once again with new funeral regulations that challenge the long-standing traditions of the Luo community’s cultural traits.

 Father Peter Masaa announced a ban on eating during funerals presided over by the church within Rakwaro parish along with a significant shift in how attendees can express their condolences.

Traditionally, Luo funerals are elaborate gatherings where families cook for large crowds, often spending considerable amounts of money to honour the deceased as a cultural norm.

 The community has long viewed the feasts as a way to celebrate life and support the bereaved family, providing them with assorted foodstuffs, livestock, and even cash donations. However, Father Masaa argued that the current practice is economically burdensome for grieving families, often leaving them in a state of financial distress.

 “In the past, it was the bereaved families who were comforted with gifts of cows, goats, and financial contributions,” he stated.

Bereaved families Father Masaa asserted, “Originally by the time the rituals concluded, bereaved families were often left better off. Now, the reverse is true; families are financially drained instead of being consoled.”

He spoke at Nyasore village in North Sakwa, during the burial of Veronica Adero Owino, a lecturer at Siaya Institute of Technology and wife of Prof Jombo Olilo of Kenya Marine Fisheries and Research Institute when he announced the new strict values he wants people to uphold in funeral ceremonies.

Under the new guidelines, attendees are required to stand, briefly, express their condolences, and make a monetary donation of at least Sh1,000, Sh2,000, or Sh5,000 before taking their seats.

 “Eulogies should be restricted to just two words, which Father Masaa believes will streamline the ceremony and focus on supporting the bereaved families without the excesses of food and lengthy tributes, which he claimed adds no economic distress to the bereaved.