By Wasike Elvis
In a powerful statement today, Philip Etale, the Communication Director for Opposition Leader Raila Odinga, condemned the growing trend of derogatory jokes about death, urging Kenyans to show more respect and sensitivity when discussing the subject.
Etale emphasized the emotional weight of loss, reminding the public that death is not a matter for trivialization or mockery.
“Death is real, and it affects everyone differently. Until one loses a loved one, only then can they truly understand the emotional toll it takes. It is important that we, as a society, exercise empathy and respect when discussing such a sensitive topic,” Etale said.
The remarks come in response to a troubling rise in social media content and public conversations where individuals have been making jokes about death, including the inappropriate sharing of images of people in coffins. Many have found such behavior deeply offensive and harmful to those in mourning.