Professor Bethwel Allan Ogot, a renowned historian, has dedicated over six decades of his life to teaching history and researching Luo culture, having taught in various prestigious institutions including Makerere University, University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, and Maseno University.
His wealth of knowledge, which he has shared through numerous books and articles, paints a vivid picture of the rich heritage of the Luo people.
Professor Ogot makes it clear that when he speaks of the Luo, he is referring not just to the Luos of Kenya, as many might assume, but to a broader group of Luo-speaking people spread across several countries.
The Luo Origin
According to Ogot, the Luo are a multi-national ethnic group with origins from a place he identifies as “Khartoum.”
He highlights that “Khartoum” is actually a Luo term, often mistakenly thought to be Arabic, underscoring the vast historical and linguistic spread of the Luo people.
According to Ogot, Sudan is home to the majority of Luos, with up to about 20 million people.
Additionally, the Luo-speaking population in Uganda is the largest among the ethnic groups there, though the numbers in Kenya and Tanzania are dwindling.
“There are about one million Luos in Tanzania, which includes the family of the late Tanzanian president, Julius Nyerere, whose mother was Luo,” he says.
One of the defining characteristics of the Luo people is their connection to water, particularly Lake Victoria, known as Namulolwe in the Luo language.
The Luos are historically lake and river people, and this geographical connection deeply influences their culture.
History & Culture
In a clear understanding of the Luo culture, Ogot emphasizes that one must recognize their deep-rooted connection to water bodies.
Ogot traces the history of the Luo people back more than 20,000 years, with the Kenyan Luos’ migration occurring about 1,500 years ago.
He stresses that although the Kenyan Luos may consider themselves the original Luo people, the Luos’ origins extend far beyond Kenya.
The Luo regions in Kenya, comprising counties like Kisumu, Migori, Siaya, and Homa Bay, are historically significant to the Luo people.
Among these places is the sacred mountain, Ramogi, named after a revered Luo ancestor, marking it as a holy place for the community.
Women Leadership in the Luo Culture
Professor Ogot acknowledges the role of women in Luo culture, noting that women held positions of leadership and power.
He highlights ‘Queen Nyawir’ in Northern Bunyoro, Uganda, as one of the first prominent female leaders, and the region where she reigned is still known as ‘Pawir.’
In colonial times, the Luo people would often appoint women as leaders of counties, as they were considered more loyal and capable of maintaining peace and order.
Contrary to popular belief, Ogot challenges the idea that the Luo people are pastoralists.
He points out that the Luo people are not suited to cold, highland areas, which explains their settlement around the warm, fertile regions of lakes and rivers.
Professor Ogot’s work and legacy were celebrated during the 4th edition of the Pin Luo event in Siaya County, under the theme, Spirit of Luo Nation—Luo Unity in Diversity and in Luo Diaspora.
His contributions to the study of Luo history and culture continue to inspire and educate future generations.
