AN ANALYSIS OF THE BURIAL RITES CONFLICT BETWEEN AGIRIAMA CHRISTIANS AND AFRICAN RELIGIOUS ADHERENTS, KILIFI COUNTY KENYA

Abstract

This work is an analysis of the burial rites conflicts between Agiriama Christians and the adherents of ATR in Kilifi County Kenya, a case study of PEFA. The objectives of the Study were: i) to analyze the Agiriama A.T.R adherents’ burial rites. ii) To analyze the Agiriama Christian burial rites. iii) To establish areas of conflict between the Christians and theATR adherents’ burial rites practices. iv) To determine suitable methodology of addressing the differences between the Christians and ATR adherents’ burial rites practices among the Agiriama community. The study was guided by inter-faith dialogue theory and Native/non-Native relations by Jonathan Napier and ‘the interpretation of culture’ theory by Clifford Geertz. These theories were used together with some biblical texts for better understanding of theproblem. Secondary materials such as books, journals and articles were used to gather the necessary information. The study equally utilized some primary sources gathered through oral interviews, focus group discussion and participant observations. Through snow ball sampling technique seventy respondents of Agiriama community took part in the study. The study sample comprised of pastors, church elders, kaya elders and some bereaved family members. The data was analyzed in the themes following the objectives, thus forming the chapters of the study. The findings include: the similar burial practices between the Christians and the adherents of ATR, are treatment and care for the sick, prayers, unity preparing the body upon death, breaking the news of a death and burring the body. The differences include many restrictions to the close family member, categorizing death, and the funeral songs, talking to the dead, the belief that death is a rite of passage, the burial of young babies and the way the body is laid in the tomb. The study recommends that more research on the topic be carried out for more clarification of the findings.