Video: Gloria Khalwale's casket opened for one final farewell

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

- The burial of Senator Boni Khalwale's wife, Gloria, took place at the family home in Malinya, Kakamega County, drawing family, mourners and political figures

- An unexpected cultural ritual unfolded moments before Gloria's casket was lowered into the grave, leaving mourners and online viewers with questions

- Gloria's eight children were visibly overcome with grief during the final rites, with her daughters seen whispering what appeared to be last words to their late mother

The family home of Senator Boni Khalwale in Malinya, Kakamega County, became the site of an emotional farewell on Saturday as his wife, Gloria, was laid to rest following a day of politically charged speeches and heartfelt tributes.

The actual burial rites began at around 4pm, with family members and mourners making their way to the gravesite. Gloria's eight children were among those gathered to give her a final send-off.

**A Moment That Stopped the Crowd**

Just before Gloria's casket was to be lowered into the ground, it was opened one last time. The gesture gave her children and the wider family a chance to see her face before the Catholic Church conducted the final rites. The scene was deeply moving, with Gloria's daughters visibly struggling to hold back tears as they leaned in to whisper what appeared to be quiet, personal words to their mother.

During this moment, some of the clothing Gloria had been dressed in was removed while other garments were loosened, a detail that caught the attention of many watching online. A source familiar with the tradition explained the significance of the act.

"The act is done because it is believed that if they do not do so, the deceased's spirit could come to haunt them later," TUKO.co.ke source Vancelle Baraza said.

The ritual lasted approximately 15 minutes before the casket was sealed and the church concluded the burial service. Family members then each threw soil into the grave, completing the ceremony.

**White Vitambaa and Cultural Farewell**

The family was not finished with the cultural observances. In a separate gesture, they draped the casket with white vitambaa, with the children actively participating in the ritual before Gloria was finally lowered to rest.

The combination of rituals sparked a wave of reactions online, with many Kenyans curious about the symbolism while others expressed sympathy for the grieving family.

@SusanMuinde-p6e: "Weeeee watu wa Kakamega si mseme ni nini inaendelea."

@BenTyla-o4c: "Naona wamemtoa dress alikuwa nayo sijui amevalishwa gani."

@BenTyla-o4c: "Anavalishwa hadi sweater, kwani baridi ya mbinguni ni deadly hivyo?"

@MercyLumadi-jv8ir: "Uyu lazima atarudi kusema anasikia joto."

@AnnKavaya: "Hyu wa ADC amewakilisha wa divai."

@SusanMuinde-p6e: "Amevalishwa net ama?"

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.