Disco Wake Keeping
In Kenya, there is a practice called the Disco Matanga which is the pinnacle of a Luo burial ceremony. This practice allows relatives, friends, acquaintances and prominent people enough time to view the body for the last time during the night. The wake is most crucial at night where it is culturally believed to keep the spirit of the deceased company as it begins the transition to the afterlife. Ironically, the mood may be one of happiness with music, dance and feasting, hence the name disco matanga.
While the practice is one that is regarded entertaining, it has a gained notoriety for aiding the spread of HIV/AIDS and immorality among the locals. Wife inheritance also occurs at these events.
