If you grew up in the village then you probably know more about Disco Matangas. This involves playing loud music at a homestead once an individual is burried or during the preparations for his burial.
Back in the villages, it is viewed as a way of attracting people to come keep the berieved family company during it’s trying moment.
However, In Kilifi County, holding or organizing a Disco matanga is a crime that is heavily punishable.
On Friday Night, Police clashed with mourners at a funeral in Kilifi and arrested 62 people.
Seven officers were injured on Friday night when they raided a homestead to stop disco matanga during a vigil for Munga Ziro of Ngerenya village.
The Institute of Human Rights condemned the incident. Executive director Eric Mgoja said the era of arbitrary arrests was long gone.
Kilifi OCPD Njoroge Ngigi confirmed the arrests and said the suspects would be arraigned today.
“The police went to stop the disco at around midnight but the mourners turned against them, throwing stones and mnazi bottles at them. I cannot say who was at the funeral that night or not because even if you ask all those who have been arrested they will deny. All of them will be taken to court for assaulting police officers,” Ngigi said.
Ngerenya chief Augustus Kiti said the family had been warned against having the disco but went ahead. Kiti said he did not accompany police officers during the night to stop the disco.