In Kenya and all around the world where unconventional careers are emerging, one profession in Kenya stands out as both unique and lucrative. Meet Daniel Ochieng, a young Kenyan man who has turned mourning into a profitable business.
As a professional mourner for hire, he has mastered the art of evoking emotions, shedding tears, and providing comfort to grieving families. His talent and dedication have propelled him to earn an impressive income, with reports indicating that he makes up to Ksh10,000 in a single day.
WoK delves into Ochieng’s intriguing story and explore the fascinating world of professional mourning.
From Humor to Mourning
He hails from Migori County in Kenya. He discovered his passion for entertaining people at a young age, using humor to make others laugh.
However, he realized that the entertainment industry was highly competitive, making it difficult to gain recognition. Undeterred, Daniel decided to explore alternative avenues to showcase his unique talent.
The Birth of a Unique Business
In 2014, an opportunity presented itself when a local radio station organized a talent competition in Migori County. Daniel seized the chance to participate and captivated the audience with his performance.
Rather than showcasing his comedic skills, he surprised everyone by crying and mourning as if grieving for his late father. The unconventional act struck a chord with the audience, who found his portrayal both moving and amusing.
Recognizing the potential in his newfound talent, he began advertising his professional mourning services. He left his contact information at mortuaries throughout Migori County, and soon enough, the requests started pouring in.
Daniel, along with a group of friends he had recruited, began attending funerals as professional mourners, providing an emotional display that brought solace to grieving families.
Earning from Tears
While it may be subject to varying opinions, professional mourning has emerged as a legitimate source of employment. As word spread about Daniel’s unique service, his popularity grew, and he started receiving invitations to mourn at funerals across Nyanza and the western region of Kenya.
Ochieng explained to Citizen Digital that mourning is a talent that can earn them up to Ksh. 10,000 in a single day.
They charge Ksh. 1,000 per session for a typical funeral, with each session defined as a period during the funeral where they are required to cry.
How Professional Mourners Works
The first session, considered the most serious, takes place as the body is being transported from the mortuary to the homestead.
During this session, they cry profusely, creating the impression that the deceased was deeply loved and respected by their family, even to those who didn’t personally know them.
The second session occurs when the body arrives at the homestead for burial and lasts until genuine mourners become quiet. The final session takes place as the catering crew serves food to the guests and continues until the body is buried.
Taking Pride In His Job And Upcoming Competition
Ochieng expressed pride in the fact that they face no competition in this unusual profession and called upon the government to acknowledge them as Professional Mourners of Kenya by providing permits and licenses.
While some argue that profiting from funerals and manipulating emotions may be unethical, these professional mourners believe they are providing a valuable service and making an honest living through their unique skill set.
The demand for his services has been so significant that he has recruited additional youth to join his team, ensuring efficiency and availability for multiple funerals.
Expanding Opportunities
While the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily halted funeral gatherings and impacted Daniel’s business, he quickly adapted to the changing circumstances. He started a YouTube channel, where he uploaded videos of his mourning performances.
Over time, his channel gained traction, attracting a growing number of subscribers and providing an additional stream of income. Daniel diversified his content creation to cater to a wider audience, showcasing different types of entertaining videos that resonated with viewers.
Inspiring Others and Future Aspirations
Daniel Ochieng’s success story serves as an inspiration to young people facing limited employment opportunities. He encourages fellow youths to harness their talents constructively, view challenges as opportunities, and choose their friends wisely.
Daniel dreams of establishing a professional mourners’ training institute, where aspiring professional grievers can learn the art and skill of giving a deceased person a befitting sendoff.
