Gen Z sparks debate after calling out relatives in blunt burial tribute

The girl said that up until her father’s burial, friends had made more meaningful contributions than relatives.

Whereas speeches at most Kenyan funerals are typically crafted to hide the reality of the deceased’s life or mask family conflicts in the interest of harmony, a daughter left mourners visibly uncomfortable at her father’s burial with a bold tribute laced with pointed attacks on relatives.

In her short speech delivered in a mix of Swahili and English, she unleashed sharp criticism against close relatives she accused of neglecting the deceased during his illness, only to show up with financial support after his death.

In an undated clip circulating online, the girl began her speech with a disclaimer that she had a lot to say but, due to time constraints, would try to be brief—and brief she was, going straight to the point.

She said her father had been a father figure to many, including his brother’s children—her cousins.

She singled them out by name, one after the other, including one she said failed to attend the burial due to financial constraints, urging mourners to pray for him "to be successful".

The second cousin, however, was not spared. "I want to thank him for the job he has done," she started off.

"When my father was sick, he could not find Sh70 fare to come visit him, but when he died, he found Sh2,000 to come and bury him," she said.

"Isn't that an achievement? Lacking Sh70 to come visit him when he was sick because he was in Nairobi, but finding Sh2,000 to come bury him," she added, seemingly indicating that her father had been hospitalised at a city facility.

The girl said that up until her father’s burial, friends had made more meaningful contributions than relatives, urging mourners never to rely on relatives in times of need.

"Don't rely on relatives most of the time; friends are the people who will help you when in need. That relative you think will help you will desert you during the time of need."

According to her, the cousin in question could not even find Sh10 to make a phone call and check on his uncle while he was in hospital, but found airtime to call and confirm the burial date after his death.

"But he's here today. DJ, play a drop to applaud him. Finding Sh2,000 is not a joke," she added sarcastically.

She went on: 'He could not even bring fruits worth Sh30 to the patient, but when he died, he came with a loaf of bread and milk—the big loaf that costs Sh290 or thereabout. We enjoyed it; it was delicious. But when my father was sick, he never came."

The girl thanked those who stood with the family during the difficult period, including friends of the cousin she repeatedly referred to as ‘DCI’.

"I don't have much to say. My father was a loving father."

The clip elicited mixed reactions online, with some praising what they described as Gen Z’s boldness and willingness to confront uncomfortable truths.

"Weeeh, this generation is not leaving anything unattended," one said.

However, others criticised her remarks, arguing that individuals face different personal challenges and are not obligated to support every family need.

"As she gets older that entitlement will fade away; she'll realise everybody has his own bundle and share of problems and not everyone is obliged to share every moment of sadness or happiness with you in life. Once she understands that she'll be at peace."

Others defended her stance. "There is nothing like Gen Z; it's about humans and telling the reality. Kuna ujinga mingi in families; people go through a lot after death strikes. Now we behave like all is well. Let the truth be told: 'Wakukasirika atoke aende."

Some called for stricter control over who should be allowed to speak at funerals to avoid washing families' dirty linen in public.

"When it comes to speech during funerals, let's verify who to speak. Kuna mambo zingine ni za nyumba siyo kila mtu," one said.

"Hawa watoto wanyimwe microphone kabisa," added another.