Myths are real, especially in the Luo culture, and are at times used to uphold good conduct and behaviours among members, though most can be extremely deceitful, provided that they deliver.

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As a small boy, born and bred in the Kamagaga, Kano Plains, in Muhoroni, Kisumu county, I and my childhood pals were treated to the same and warned against a number of things.

Here are what we're told never to do, but which we later came to realize are simple myths put in place to enhance discipline among children.

1. Playing with one's shadow

As children, we were strictly warned against playing around with our shadows, especially at night, with older persons claiming that our shadows are devils who can hit back.

Children were cautioned that joking around would anger them (shadows), resulting in a single slap that can knock off all one's teeth, we later realized it was a lie upon growing up.

But small children, especially in the villages, are still given the same, and because they are yet to learn that a shadow is just a blockage of light, they abide.

2. Whistling at night

Just like the shadow narrative, this too would attract the devil and result in punishment, as the young ones, myself included were told.

Consequently, for fear of provoking the devil, we observed the warning. The same is still happening in the villages.

3. Eating too many eggs

Luos believe that children should not eat too many eggs, otherwise they will develop a 'heavy tongue', and have difficulties speaking in their later days.

Women are cautioned against feeding children too many eggs, as this will make them stammer, or 'yua dual' as it is called by Luos.

However, its quite clear that stammering is just another disability, and has nothing to do with food.

#HivisasaOriginal.