Rachel Otuoma, the widow of the late Kenyan footballer Ezekiel Otuoma, has addressed why she did not shave her head after her husband’s burial, despite initially considering it. Rachel Otuoma says she did not shave off her hair because it is not part of her culture. Photo: Rachel Otuoma. Source: Instagram Why didn’t Rachel shave off her hair? During a recent live TikTok session with her followers, Rachel explained that shaving off hair after losing a spouse is not part of her Luo cultural customs. Previously, she had mentioned that she was contemplating cutting her hair as a way of mourning and signifying a fresh start in life. However, she ultimately decided against it.
“Siwezi nyoa, hiyo siyo mila yetu (I can’t shave, that’s not our culture),” she told her fans. Rachel also revealed that she would not be distributing Ezekiel’s belongings, such as clothes, any time soon. According to Luo customs, this process takes place a year after the person’s death, typically during a memorial ceremony. “Unaona vile Waluhya huwa wanafanya 40 days ndio wanapeana na kugawa manguo? Sisi Wajaluo sio 40 days. Sisi tunangojea makumbusho, that is mpaka December ile time yenye Otuoma alizikwa ama alikufa,” she explained. Rachel further noted that her mother-in-law and grandmother had confirmed this tradition, emphasising that shaving the head was also not part of their customs. Despite the tradition of giving out a deceased person’s clothes, Rachel stated that she intends to keep some of Ezekiel’s belongings as sentimental keepsakes to preserve his memory. What did Ezekiel Otuma succumb to? Rachel’s life took a drastic turn following the passing of her husband, who had been battling motor neurone disease (ALS).
Otuoma was a former professional footballer who played for some of the top Kenyan clubs, including Western Stima and Ulinzi Stars. He was laid to rest on January 11 in Siaya County, where family and friends gathered to bid him a befitting farewell. Watch the video below: Here are some comments from netizens reacting to Rachel’s revelation: user6923008881250: “Hallo Recho me nakupenda tu Bure, I really admire your morals.” user6022332539248: “Nakupenda Bure strong woman.” Jey Pendo: “After makumbusho.” praise: “If this is paying you its oky but if not its not worthy telling.” suzzy: “Be strong mama.” Everlyne vin: “l love you so much.” Lydia Ahono: “Kwa waluyia hata sio 40 days.”
by DanVictor Munene
