Residents of Ndivisi in Webuye East Constituency, Bungoma County, were left amazed on Tuesday after witnessing an unusual burial ceremony for a 99-year-old man, Daniel Mukhwana Matakala. The elderly man was laid to rest in a transparent metallic casket, a rare sight that quickly attracted hundreds of curious mourners and villagers.
The extraordinary burial was carried out according to Matakala’s final wishes before his death. Family members revealed that the late patriarch had clearly instructed them on how he wanted his send-off to be conducted, and they were determined to honour every detail despite the uniqueness of the request.
According to the family, Matakala specifically requested that his coffin be made using glass and metal materials so that people would be able to clearly view his body without opening the casket. He also directed that the coffin should not be covered directly with soil after burial.
The late elder was buried at his rural home in Katumi village, where mourners gathered in large numbers to witness the uncommon ceremony. Many residents stood in disbelief as the transparent casket was displayed around the compound before the final burial rites were conducted.
Jackson Matakala Masinde, one of the family spokespersons, explained that the deceased had repeatedly spoken about his desired burial arrangement while he was still alive.
“Before his death, our father gave clear instructions on how the coffin was supposed to be designed. He wanted it made of glass and metal so that people could easily see him even after his passing. As a family, we felt it was important to respect his final wish,” Masinde said.
One of Matakala’s 35 children reportedly took responsibility for constructing the custom-made casket. The specially designed coffin became the center of attention during the burial as mourners lined up to view it closely.
Relatives also disclosed that the old man wanted the burial site tiled to prevent the casket from coming into direct contact with soil. His son, Richard Watakala, said the family carefully followed all the instructions because they believed it was the best way to honour their father.
“He insisted that the coffin should never touch the soil and that it had to remain visible. We respected his wishes because he was a loving father who educated us and guided the family well,” Richard explained.
The burial sparked mixed reactions among residents and visitors from other communities. While some people praised the family for respecting the old man’s wishes, others questioned whether transparent caskets were appropriate in traditional African burial practices.
Despite the debate, many villagers described the ceremony as unforgettable and unlike anything they had ever witnessed before in the region. Some elders noted that burial customs vary from one family to another and that honoring the wishes of the deceased is an important cultural value.
Friends and relatives also remembered Matakala as a hardworking and respected patriarch who raised a large family and played an important role in the community throughout his long life.
The unusual send-off has continued to attract attention across Bungoma County, with many people discussing the rare burial style and the importance of respecting a loved one’s final wishes, no matter how
