Despite the changing times, members of the Luo community remain deeply rooted in their traditions, which at times includes observing and following the dictates of myths.
Though most relate to how members of the community should love together in harmony, there exists some which are scary, threatening and death-related.
Here are some of them.
1. A monitor lizard strike can render one deaf
One of the myths popular in Luo Nyanza is that one who encounters a monitor lizard, otherwise known as 'ng'ech' in Luo, can go deaf is struck by the 'small crocodile'.
In the event that the animal strikes a person with its long tail, it is believed that they will lose speaking and hearing abilities and become 'momo' (deaf and dumb).
Known to many as 'mburukenge', monitor lizards spend a large portion of their time in bushes near water bodies, and are also known to tie cows' legs with their tails and suck their tits dry.
2.Owls and hornbills are birds of death
Tula nyongoro (Owl) and Arum Tidi (hornbill) are considered announcers of death and birds which are not to be tolerated at any cost, since they are believed to signify and mean death.
Owls are not even allowed to make a sound when whey land in a homestead as its believed that they will announce death, and are to be shot away as soon as possible.
Similarly, hornbills are not even allowed to perch on the field, while teltel (woodpecker) are considered a bad sign for those leaving for a journey.
3. The dead are not really dead
Many Kenyans believe that when one dies, their bodies become mere flesh as the spirit leaves, which is not really the case among the Luo.
In Luo Nyanza, its believed that the dead can actually come back to ask questions, especially at night, through dreams, hence the "ichieni?" (are you being haunted?) remark.
At times, the dead have been said to refuse to do things like being transported, which is solved by turning the direction his head was facing or having a person he loved plead with him.
While growing up in the Kano Plains, were were repeatedly warned against letting people who drown in River Nyando pass by us, as we were told this would attract being haunted.
According to Luo customs, such people are pleaded with, and they will surprisingly come closer to the banks and can then be pulled out and handed over to their families.
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