‘Wamlambez-Wamnyonyez’ chants, dance at burial attended by women only leave online users in shock

A section of Facebook and Twitter users in Kenya are reeling from shock after a video clip of mourners comprising young women-only chanting the now famous Sheng slang “Wamnyonyez” and “Wamlambez” at the burial of -- supposedly -- one of them, went viral.

Dressed in tight pairs of jeans trousers, sleeveless tops, open back tops, knee-length or above-the-knee skirts or dresses, the women dance in circles around the grave of the deceased, who, from the video clips, had just been buried.

Some of the women can be seen twerking in the course of their round-the-grave dance.

The video was reportedly captured recently at Nangina area in Funyula Constituency, Busia County.

K24 Digital’s attempts to verify authenticity of the video showed that the incident was indeed recorded in Busia.

We sought a comment from the area chief, who is yet to respond.

Facebook users, who watched the video of the mourners dancing to the now popular “Drinx-na-Mayenx” song by Masta Ajab expressed mixed reactions at the video, with a bulk of the respondents, however, calling out the young women for “disrespecting the family of the deceased”.

Facebook user Diana Makokha said: “What the heck? Do these kids have parents? Are their parents present at the funeral? This is total buffoonery.”

Nyamisi Masha said: “This is an abomination already. The song itself is bewildering. Look at their attire! I am covering my eyes in shame.”

Shinanda Wilbroda said: “I pity the bereaved.”

Imani Sabwa said: “Where was the deceased’s family? This is insane!”

Eve Nafula said: “There was no church elder in that village? I am feeling awful. They ought to have engaged in this stupidity elsewhere. I am annoyed.”

Douglas Makhandia was, however, of the contrary opinion, saying: “They are mourning their party girl. It is allowed.”

Namuye Loraine echoed Douglas’ comments, saying: “This is a celebration of a life well-lived. Everyone has their own way pf mourning their loved one. Clearly, the deceased was well-loved. I am from that area, and I remember a lot of booty-shaking after my cousin’s burial. Maybe it is normal in that part of the country.”

Wambilyanga Sichangi said: “What if it was the wish of the deceased [that her friends dance in such a manner at her burial]? We do not have to judge others just because we sin differently from them.”