Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Fred Matiang'i is once again in hot water after being summoned by a parliamentary committee over a recent ban on overnight mourning events commonly referred to as 'Disco matanga.'
Reports by Daily Nation were raised by Rabai Member of Parliament (MP) William Kamoti who protested that the ban imposed in Kilifi by Dr. Matiang’i.
According to Kamoti, the ban violated the culture of the locals.
The legislator called on Matiang'i to lift the ban and allow mourners to give a befitting send-off to their loved ones in line with their culture.
“What measures has the ministry put in place to ensure security is provided during cultural celebrations to enable communities to give their departed kin deserving send-off in line with their cultural and traditional practices?” Kamoti inquired.
“Every community has a way of celebrating their dead. In Kilifi and particularly Rabai, dead people are celebrated in overnight events," he added
This comes after the ban imposed by the CS in January, where he barred Kilifi residents from conducting Disco Matanga's.
Matiang'i's argument was that the event had become a haven for criminal activity in the area.
“This thing called disco matanga is no longer a cultural event. Criminals are taking advantage to commit crimes,” he declared.
The ban sparked a heated debate on the floor of the House as MPs expressed mixed reactions about the move.
The lawmakers were divided over the issue with some accusing the CS of interfering with the African culture of mourning the dead, while others supported Matiang'i's call.
“It is important we respect the culture of others and most importantly respect our own cultures. What actually stands as a rightful way to give befitting send-off has now been turned to something else,” stated Mvita MP Abdulswamad Nassir.
Majority leader Aden Duale had however asked Christians to borrow a leaf from Islam where a person is buried immediately after death, arguing that all a dead person needed was prayers.
Disco matanga's are common in most parts of the country, where freinds and family celebrate the deceased at night in music and dance.
Dr Matiang’i is expected to appear before the committee of National Security and Administration to answer the question on the ban of disco matanga in Kilifi County.
