Photo: Debate as Khalwale clears ground before wife's grave is dug
This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.
- Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale was photographed wielding a panga to clear the spot where his late wife Gloria will be buried at their Malinya home
- Gloria Khalwale, born in 1981, is set to be buried on Friday, with her remains collected from the morgue the day before
- A Luhya elder explained the cultural significance behind the widower's role in identifying and clearing the burial ground before digging begins
Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has been photographed taking matters into his own hands ahead of the burial of his late wife, Gloria Khalwale, wielding a panga to clear the ground where her grave will be dug at their family home in Malinya, Ikolomani Constituency.
Gloria, who was born in 1981 and passed away in 2026, will be buried on Friday, August 21. Her remains were collected from the morgue on Thursday, ahead of the ceremony.
The image, shared on Facebook by Shipangalia The Bullfighter on Thursday, August 20, shows a crowd gathered around the senator as he held a young tree with one hand, preparing to cut it down.
Why did Khalwale clear ground for wife's burial?
The moment drew widespread attention online, prompting questions about the cultural practice behind it.
Stephen Mbalilwa, a Luhya elder who spoke to TUKO.co.ke, shed light on the tradition. According to him, the husband or head of the household carries the responsibility of identifying and preparing the spot where his wife will be laid to rest.
"Traditionally, a wife's grave is placed on a particular side of the house, commonly the left, reflecting her recognised position within the family homestead.
Before the digging begins, the husband or family patriarch may formally identify and clear the chosen spot, helping to preserve the customary arrangement of the homestead," Mbalilwa explained.
He added that burial practices vary across Luhya sub-groups, meaning specific rites differ from one community to another.
Khalwale updated his followers ahead of the service, writing:
"Tomorrow's funeral service will take place at Malinya Stadium. Your presence and support will mean a great deal to us during this difficult time."
He also expressed his gratitude to well-wishers who had reached out since her passing.
"Thank you all for your heartfelt messages of condolence. I may not be able to respond to everyone individually at this time, but please know that we deeply appreciate your love, support, and prayers. We remain strong and hopeful," he wrote.
The photos sparked a lively conversation online, with many Kenyans weighing in on the cultural practice:
John Muya:
"I think if it were the man who died, then the brother or wazees from that clan would have shown where the grave could be."
Kennedy Omiyo:
"He keeps his Luhya tradition."
Paul Olela:
"The Luhya burial tradition is almost the same as the Luos."
Ralph Robinson:
"Is he the one to do that?"
Patrick Lisasa:
"In Bunyore, a grave can only be dug when the body is lying in the homestead."
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.