Perceptions about death among the Akamba in Kibwezi division, Makueni district, Kenya

Abstract

This study investigated the perceptions of death among the Akamba. Specifically, the study sought to identify the explanations of death, the mortuary rituals, the society's response to death and the circumstances under which death is discussed. This study was conducted in Kibwezi Division, Makueni District, Kenya and this was also the area of focus for the Kenya Quality of Life project which funded the fieldwork. The study was carried out for a period of three months from November 2000 to January 2001. A total of 40 key informants were selected through purposive sampling technique. These were composed of different categories of people and they included 12 gravediggers, 3 oath specialists, 3 traditional men, 3 traditional women, 4 women healers, 3 cleansing specialists, 4 death attendants as well as 4 old men and 4 old women. In-depth interviews were carried out with these key informants so as to collect in-depth data. Also two case studies and four life histories were similarly selected through purposive sampling techniques. The study mainly used qualitative methods of data collection, namely, participant and direct observations, Interviews, case studies and life histories. Because of the nature of the data, qualitative techniques were used in data analysis while the study used symbolism as its theoretical framework. The research findings revealed that death must have an explanation, even if it has a medical diagnosis. The findings also indicated that mortuary rituals and rites of purification are very vital when death has occurred. It was further observed that the society responds to death in a positive manner and that death is not and cannot be an openly discussed subject prior to it occurring The study recommended that any intervention aimed at the eradication of diseases causing death among the Akamba should take into consideration the perceived cultural causes of such deaths. This is because, among the Akamba death does not just occur but it is caused by an agent whose explanation is given. The study recommended further research on the mechanisms by which the causal agents of death, such as witchcraft, work as this was beyond the scope of this study. Finally, the study recommended for more social science research on death as many researchers have opted to shy away from the topic. Therefore, this, study which will form ethnography of the Akamba on death, should be a precursor to similar ethnographies on other societies.