Barbra Magoha, the widow of former Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) George Magoha, has responded to critics who wondered why she failed to cry and wail as she received her husband’s body on Wednesday, February 8, 2023.
While addressing mourners in Gem, Siaya county, Barbara noted that her new position in the family did not allow her to display emotions publicly. She also explained that Nigerian culture dictates that the deceased is celebrated.
“I need to make certain facts clear. Some cultures are good, and there are others as time goes by that we’ll have to give up on. People were upset some were astonished that I did not wail and cry to enter the home. Sorry to let you down, but my new position in the family doesn’t give me such privilege to do public display of emotions,” she said.
“I’m a Nigerian, I was born a Nigerian, I’ll be buried a Kenyan in between I’m a Malian, I want to bury my husband the Nigerian way, because when you are in distress you go back to the womb and the first language one resorts to. I mourned him in my own way, I did my songs of lamentations at the hospital,” she added.
Further, the widow apologised to mourners for the rowdiness they endured at her home on Friday, February 10, 2023.
“I want to apologise to the wananchi about what happened yesterday, when there was a little fracas when I went home. Some people don’t know that it is a Luo custom that when the widow opens the gate, the mourners are allowed to enter and mourn. So the gates were closed, and I could understand the pain of the mourners. I am extremely sorry for that, ” she stated.
Further, Barbara opined that she wouldn’t wish to witness a similar incident as they lay her husband to rest .
“My husband was a classy man, and I hope that mantle will fall on the same people who came to mourn him yesterday…And as we go to inter my husband this afternoon, please come home, sit down and mourn and please let it be in a classy fashion, no rowdiness. I’d really appreciate that,” she added.
Magoha was pronounced dead on January 24, 2023. He is succeeded by his wife and son Michael Magoha.
