A Christian Response to the Neo-Traditional Death and Burial Rites among the Luo Community in Rarieda

Abstract

This study explores the current death and burial practices and rituals among the Luo community of Kenya. An ethnographic methodology was used to collect data through well-structured interviews among the selected population in Rarieda within Siaya County in Kenya. Participant observation of a funeral ceremony was also incorporated into the study. The data was then recorded, transcribed, translated, and analyzed using Weft QDA. Whenever a death occurs in the Luo community, people typically respond by inquiring about its actual cause. This study uses Hiebert's four steps of critical contextualization: phenomenology, ontology, critical evaluation, and missiological transformation. In this approach, one critically studies a ritual by listening to the people's ways of life, judging the rituals through the Scripture, and then critically evaluating the Scripture and the practice. In so doing, a transformative ministry is developed to help the affected individuals, that is, coping with bereavement and caring for widows and orphans.