🇰🇪KenyaEast Africa
Raila Odinga and Ochilo Ayacko offer differing accounts of Luo and Nilotic origins
via Tuko4 min read
A video of veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga has resurfaced, detailing the origin and migration of the Luo community. Recorded in 2023, Raila's account is based on the writings of Walter Edwin Owen, a British Anglican missionary. Owen interviewed three Luo elders – Ogada Ondiek, Ogada Otiende, and Gor Kogalo – who provided similar narratives. According to Raila, the Luo migrated from Sudan, following rivers south to Lake Victoria. The first Luo, named Podho, meaning "falling," is believed to have fallen from the sky onto Got Ramogi in Sudan, bringing seeds and animals, thus initiating life on Earth. Raila compared this to the Biblical creation story and urged scholars to document Luo folklore. Separately, Migori governor Ochilo George Mbogo Ayacko has presented another narrative on the origin of Nilotic communities, claiming all Nilotes descended from Sin Akuru Kuku Lubanga, who lived in Dognam Dho Nam in Sudan. Ayacko states Kuku Lubanga had a wife who bore twins: Opiyo Podhokoma, ancestor of River-Lake Nilotes Luo, and Odongo Pok Boni, forefather of Highland Nilotes Kalenjin subgroups. A second wife gave birth to Lioleituk Dyang, father of Plain Nilotes Maasai, Samburu. Ayacko uses this narrative to emphasize the interconnectedness and political significance of Nilotic communities, referencing historical political alliances such as Jaramogi Oginga Odinga's support for Daniel arap Moi, and the cooperation between President William Ruto and Raila Odinga.
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