Ken Okoth DNA samples to be taken in row over child, cremation as planned

The cremation of the late Ken Okoth will go on as planned as parties enter a consent to have DNA samples taken in row over child.

Also Read: Sonko reveals Ken Okoth had a child out of wedlock

On Friday, lawyers representing Okoth’s mother Angeline, his wife Monica and MCA Anne Muthoni said both parties had agreed to resolve the matter through a DNA test but have the funeral program continue as planned.

“We resolved that this is a family matter and will be resolved as such. The cremation of the body will proceed as planned but after DNA samples are picked from the body of the late Hon. Ken Okoth at Lee Funeral Home,” lawyer Danstan Omari said.

He revealed that each party will present their own pathologist and the DNA samples will be preserved for the test.

“The pathologist will provide the methodologies to be used as we await the results of the DNA test,” Omari added.

The advocate noted that his client had no intention of stopping the funeral program as she “loved Ken so much”.

Former PM Raila Odinga, Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko and their legal teams were part of the meeting that reportedly went late into the night.

On Friday, the court also ruled that the child will participate in the funeral program.

Advocate Omari was adamant that there is no dispute over property or final funeral rights for the late Kibra MP.

He was responding to reports that family members from Okoth’s paternal side claimed it was against traditional customs to cremate a body.

“In the Luo tradition, we have never heard that when somebody dies they are burnt; that is not our culture. We have never heard such a thing, so we have got no idea about that,” their spokesman Raymond Mbai said.

Also Read: ‘It is not our culture!’ Ken Okoth’s paternal family oppose planned cremation

“We would not wish our cousin Ken Okoth to be cremated. It is against the Luo tradition and our cultural belief. It is our wish that they find another option.”

The lawyer on Friday said ‘third parties’ tried to derail the funeral process but the family members decided that the matter be settled by the nucleus.

During a past interview, the late Ken Okoth revealed how his father had abandoned them, leaving his mother Angelina to raise them as a single mum.

Also Read: Ken Okoth’s inspiring story: From watchman to Kibra MP