The burial of renowned Gusii gospel singer Liz Kerubo is currently underway at her home in Kijauri, Nyamira County, where family, friends, fans, and gospel musicians from Kisii and Nyamira counties have gathered to pay their final respects.
What was expected to be a solemn farewell, however, turned into a dramatic scene that has since sparked widespread debate across social media.
According to witnesses at the ceremony, emotions ran high when Liz Kerubo’s husband reportedly attempted to introduce his second family to mourners while at the graveside. Before he could finish speaking, one of Liz’s sons allegedly walked up, took the microphone from his father, and signaled for the second family to return to their seats. The unexpected moment drew loud reactions from the crowd, with some mourners cheering while others watched in silence.
The incident has quickly divided public opinion, with many Kenyans expressing contrasting views on whether the son’s actions were justified.
Some people who claim to have known the family argue that the situation was far more complicated than what was witnessed at the burial. They allege that the husband’s second family was not a secret and that Liz Kerubo and her co-wife had lived with long-standing disagreements over the years. According to these claims, the children were fully aware of the existence of their father’s other family long before the burial.
Others have defended the husband, saying he remained by Liz Kerubo’s side during her final days despite reported marital challenges. They claim he took her to hospital, stood with her throughout her treatment, arranged for her transfer to Nyansiongo Mortuary after her passing, and, together with his relatives, ensured that her body was transported home for burial. Supporters believe these efforts deserved recognition and argue that preventing him from introducing his second family was unfair.
However, another section of Kenyans believes the graveside was not the appropriate place to introduce the second family, regardless of the family’s history. They argue that the burial should have remained focused on honoring Liz Kerubo and allowing her children to grieve without additional emotional tension.
The incident has also reignited conversations about polygamous families, inheritance, and the difficult relationships that can arise between children, parents, and step-siblings after the death of a loved one. While some blamed the sons for acting emotionally, others suggested they may have been influenced by close relatives during an already painful moment.
Several social media users compared the situation to other public burials where politicians and prominent figures openly acknowledged multiple spouses without attracting controversy. They argued that introducing more than one wife is not unusual in some Kenyan communities and questioned why this particular incident generated such strong reactions.
As discussions continue online, one fact remains unchanged: the day was ultimately meant to celebrate the life and legacy of Liz Kerubo, whose gospel music touched many lives across the Gusii region. Friends, fellow gospel artists, and fans continue to remember her as a talented singer whose songs inspired faith and hope. While opinions remain sharply divided over the graveside incident, many have urged the family to seek peace, unity, and healing as they mourn their beloved mother and loved one.
