The controversy comes just days after the singer's tragic death following injuries she sustained in a petrol attack in Mwiki, Nairobi.
As family members continue to mourn her loss, disagreements over burial rights have reportedly overshadowed preparations for her funeral.
According to reports from relatives on her husband’s side, the conflict centers on whether Wandeto should be buried at her matrimonial home or at her father’s ancestral home in Kirinyaga County.
Family members claim that Wandeto’s husband, Peter Njaramba, has been sidelined from key burial decisions despite the couple having lived together for approximately 14 years and raising three children together.
According to reports from relatives on her husband’s side, the conflict centers on whether Wandeto should be buried at her matrimonial home or at her father’s ancestral home in Kirinyaga County.
Family members claim that Wandeto’s husband, Peter Njaramba, has been sidelined from key burial decisions despite the couple having lived together for approximately 14 years and raising three children together.
Speaking during an interview cited by local media, a sister to the widower expressed frustration and disappointment over the unfolding situation.
She argued that Peter stood by Wandeto throughout their relationship and remained supportive during her hospitalization following the attack that eventually claimed her life.
According to the family, objections reportedly arose after questions were raised regarding the completion of customary marriage requirements, particularly matters related to dowry.
The widower’s sister said the explanation has left the family devastated, noting that the couple had spent more than a decade building a life together and raising children.
“They stayed together for 14 years and have three children together. It is painful that after all those years, he is now being told he cannot bury his wife because of dowry issues,” she reportedly said.
The disagreement has sparked conversations among community members and social media users, many of whom have questioned how cultural traditions should be applied in cases where couples have shared a long-term relationship and raised children together.
Beyond the burial dispute, relatives say the biggest victims of the situation are the couple’s children, who are still struggling to come to terms with their mother’s death.
According to family members, the children remain emotionally distressed and continue asking when their mother will return home, unaware of the full reality of what has happened.
One relative described the situation as heartbreaking, saying the children are experiencing confusion, grief, and uncertainty during what is already an extremely difficult period for the family.
The family also claimed that the children have received little interaction from some extended relatives since their mother’s passing, further adding to the emotional burden they are carrying.
For Peter Njaramba, the dispute has reportedly compounded the pain of losing his wife. Relatives insist that he remained committed to Wandeto throughout their years together and especially during her final days as she battled severe injuries in hospital.
Supporters of the widower argue that the length of the relationship and the family they built together should be recognized during burial arrangements.
According to the family, objections reportedly arose after questions were raised regarding the completion of customary marriage requirements, particularly matters related to dowry.
The widower’s sister said the explanation has left the family devastated, noting that the couple had spent more than a decade building a life together and raising children.
“They stayed together for 14 years and have three children together. It is painful that after all those years, he is now being told he cannot bury his wife because of dowry issues,” she reportedly said.
The disagreement has sparked conversations among community members and social media users, many of whom have questioned how cultural traditions should be applied in cases where couples have shared a long-term relationship and raised children together.
Beyond the burial dispute, relatives say the biggest victims of the situation are the couple’s children, who are still struggling to come to terms with their mother’s death.
According to family members, the children remain emotionally distressed and continue asking when their mother will return home, unaware of the full reality of what has happened.
One relative described the situation as heartbreaking, saying the children are experiencing confusion, grief, and uncertainty during what is already an extremely difficult period for the family.
The family also claimed that the children have received little interaction from some extended relatives since their mother’s passing, further adding to the emotional burden they are carrying.
For Peter Njaramba, the dispute has reportedly compounded the pain of losing his wife. Relatives insist that he remained committed to Wandeto throughout their years together and especially during her final days as she battled severe injuries in hospital.
Supporters of the widower argue that the length of the relationship and the family they built together should be recognized during burial arrangements.
Others, however, maintain that cultural and family traditions must also be respected, particularly when questions regarding customary marriage procedures remain unresolved.
The situation highlights a challenge that occasionally emerges in some Kenyan families, where disagreements over dowry, customary marriage recognition, and burial rights become contentious after the death of a spouse.
Legal experts have previously noted that burial disputes can become complex when customary practices, family expectations, and modern family arrangements intersect.
The situation highlights a challenge that occasionally emerges in some Kenyan families, where disagreements over dowry, customary marriage recognition, and burial rights become contentious after the death of a spouse.
Legal experts have previously noted that burial disputes can become complex when customary practices, family expectations, and modern family arrangements intersect.
In many cases, families seek mediation from elders, religious leaders, or courts to reach an agreement that respects both cultural traditions and the wishes of the deceased’s immediate family.
As preparations for Wandeto’s burial continue, relatives on both sides are reportedly hoping that an amicable solution can be reached to avoid prolonging the family’s grief.
For now, attention remains focused on finding common ground while ensuring the late gospel singer receives a dignified send-off and that her children are supported during one of the most difficult moments of their lives.
The tragedy has not only left a family mourning the loss of a loved one but has also reignited public debate about marriage recognition, dowry obligations, and who should ultimately have the right to make burial decisions when a spouse dies after years of shared family life.
As preparations for Wandeto’s burial continue, relatives on both sides are reportedly hoping that an amicable solution can be reached to avoid prolonging the family’s grief.
For now, attention remains focused on finding common ground while ensuring the late gospel singer receives a dignified send-off and that her children are supported during one of the most difficult moments of their lives.
The tragedy has not only left a family mourning the loss of a loved one but has also reignited public debate about marriage recognition, dowry obligations, and who should ultimately have the right to make burial decisions when a spouse dies after years of shared family life.
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