Burial stopped as co-wives battle over husband’s body in Siaya

The burial was stopped by a court order obtained by the first wife, who sought to prevent the second wife from laying their late husband to rest.

According to Assistant Chief of Sega sub-location Mr. Emmanuel Opondo, the first wife had been separated from the deceased for many years. However, she recently resurfaced, insisting on her right to oversee his burial.

Preparations had been completed, and the body was set to be retrieved from the mortuary on Friday for burial on Saturday at the home he had built with his second wife.

However, the plans were derailed when the first wife presented a court order blocking the burial at the second wife’s home. She now demands that the deceased be interred at his paternal home instead.

Luo customs dictate that the first wife cannot enter the second wife's home, as it was built in her absence, and she had not yet established her own residence at the time.

The matter has been scheduled for hearing as a matter of urgency at Ukwala Law Court on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.