Milele FM presenter and actress Jacquey Nyaminde, widely known as Wilbroda, has sparked conversation after declaring that Kenyans are slowly abandoning the long-held tradition of offering exaggerated praise at funerals.
Wilbroda on Wednesday morning was responding to a viral video of a man openly criticising his father during their mother’s burial, a moment that shocked many but ended with mourners applauding the children for their honesty.
For her, that reaction signaled a major cultural shift.
“Let me tell you, we no longer lie, even at funerals,” she said, noting that the younger generation is increasingly choosing truth over tradition, even in emotionally delicate moments.
She recalled how, for years, mourners would sanitise the lives of the departed, painting them as flawless saints regardless of their real behaviour.
“Zile uwongo tulikua tunaweka eti ohh… marehemu alikuwa mtu mzuri, ohh alikuwa amelea watoto wake vizuri,” Wilbroda said, highlighting the familiar script of embellished eulogies.
But she believes Gen Z has disrupted that pattern. “Imefika mahali where we speak the truth as is, and I am grateful to Gen Z,” she added.
According to her, this new wave isn’t about disrespect; it’s about healing, honesty, and acknowledging reality instead of maintaining appearances for the sake of tradition.
Wilbroda expressed hope that the shift continues, saying it will free people from the pressure of delivering false praise and allow families to embrace sincerity during their most vulnerable moments.
