The tribe that sleeps with the dead

Nov5,2023

The Luo also called Joluo or Jonagi meaning Ramogi's heirs are an ethnic group in western Kenya, nothern Uganda, and in Mara region in northern Tanzania

Luo Tribe

The Luo people are rich in tradition and cultural practises although some of their ways may have an observer raising an eyebrow.

Rich in tradition

In the past, there was a custom among the Luo people that had widows sleep in the same room with the body of their late husband before burial

Sleeping with the dead

It is expected of the widow to have an odd ‘mandatory dream’ of herself making love to her dead husband for the last time, so as to be considered ‘freed’ and ready to get remarried. 

Mandatory Dream?

This custom was supposedly meant to be a part of a cleansing ritual to purify such women in readiness for inheritance. 

Cleansing ritual

Uncircumcised women are considered odd and are mocked as it is considered a standard for all women in Kuria

Uncircumcised women