Kisumu is largely inhabited by Luos who have a unique way of interacting.
It is very hard to find Luo residents of Kisumu especially men using their actual names when referring to each other.
On most occasions, they use nicknames.
Here are some of the considerations taken before they give each other nicknames.
1. Their appearance
Some Luos, especially the male, get their nicknames basing on their appearances, hence nicknames like 'Rateng' and 'Rabet'.
Rateng' is a nickname given to a dark man and Rabet a name for a bulky man.
However, such names are normally common at workplaces, especially the Jua Kali sector.
2. The nature of their jobs
Visit a garage and you can be sure to get a Luo named 'Jawaya', a nickname given to a person skilled in car wiring or any other electrical job that involves wiring.
It is common to hear carpenters being referred to as 'Jabao' and painters 'Jarangi'.
3. Shot forms of their names
Most Luo names come in two parts, the first part being the O and A in male and female names respectively.
Therefore, they are easy to shorten without losing the initial meaning.
Some are Odhis (Odhiambo), Otis or Otile (Otieno), Omosh (Omondi) and Oduu (Oduor).
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