Two people tragically lost their lives during a disco matanga event in a village in Western Kenya, highlighting concerns over the government’s ineffective enforcement of a ban on night vigil dances.
The event, which is meant to be part of funeral traditions, turned violent, with a confrontation leading to the deaths.
The government banned disco matanga because they were associated with increasing criminal activities, excessive noise, and immoral behavior.
These nighttime gatherings, traditionally held during funerals, have attracted large crowds, sometimes fueled by alcohol and disorderly conduct.
Although county commissioners have issued repeated warnings to chiefs and assistant chiefs to enforce the ban in their areas, the practice continues in many villages.
Chiefs are responsible for making sure the ban is followed, but many are failing to act.
The government has warned that failure to enforce the ban could lead to serious consequences for local administrators.
A resident from the affected village stated, “What was meant to be a respectful event is now a place for crime and chaos. We are afraid to even step outside when there’s a funeral.”
The two deaths occurred after an altercation broke out during the disco matanga.
Police suspect the incident was linked to a gang dispute.
Investigations are underway, with law enforcement now searching for three individuals connected to criminal activities around the event.
The incident has sparked calls for the government to take stronger measures to stop disco matanga.
Many believe that police presence should be increased in rural areas and local officials should be held accountable for allowing these dangerous events to continue.
“Funerals should be a time to mourn, not to bring death and destruction,” said one local leader.
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