‘I mourned the Nigerian way': Magoha’s wife explains why she did not wail according to Luo traditions

Dr. Barbara Odudu Magoha on Saturday sought to explain her reaction while mourning her late husband, former Education Cabinet Secretary Prof. George Magoha, on Friday at their home in Gem, Siaya County.

Dr. Odudu, while addressing mourners during the burial on Saturday, came out to defend her “emotionless” gesture saying she opted to rejoice in the celebration of Prof. Magoha’s life as she saw fit, and in line with her Nigerian culture.

According to Luo traditions, it is expected that the widow of a deceased person displays grief by wailing as the body is brought into their home before the final send-off; something Dr. Odudu did not do, and sort of refutes.

“I want to apologize for yesterday, there are people who don't understand that Luo culture where people mourn at the home… Some cultures are good and others we have to give up,” she said.

“People were upset that I didn't wail to enter the home, my new position in the family doesn't give me the privilege to display emotions in public. I mourned my husband the Nigerian way.”

Dr. Odudu went on to divulge that Nigerian customs allow mourning differently based on the deceased’s age, such that the older the person, the greater the celebrations.

“I sang my songs of lamentation at the hospital. According to our custom, I had to mourn him in two ways, the further you are from 70 the more you celebrate. I had to welcome him as the new head of the home,” she added.

Regarding the Luo way of mourning, Dr. Odudu welcomed mourners to continue paying their last respects in the manner that they please, only directing them to do so in a calm and orderly manner since Prof. Magoha was a “classy” man.

“As I go to inter my husband, please come home and mourn, but don't be rowdy. The field can accommodate all of us so during burial only inner family members are allowed so please allow them to be at the graveside,” she advised.

In her heart-rending tribute, the mother of one labelled the former CS as a God-fearing and joyous person who lived to impact the lives of those in need. 

“My husband smiled and that smile gave hope to the hopeless. People wondered what would give him strength, it was prayers from people,” she said.

“He was governed by God, Starehe and the medical world, and that's why the three have played a vital role.”