Paulo Mbuya Akoko author of the book, Luo Kitgi gi Timbegi (Luo Customs and Traditions) which was first published in 1938 was a Seventh Day Adventist clergyman who later became Chief of Karachuonyo and also served as the Secretary of the African District Council in South Nyanza and consequently Ker of Luo East Africa. His portrayal of the link between political power and wealth among the Luo gives one the impression that the two were exclusively held by men. Mbuya at one time observed that “the Luo respect wealthy people and they say that the community cannot be stable without them.” Those of considerable means were viewed as “the backbone or strength of the society.” These people were admired for their diligence and generosity, and were viewed as unlikely to be tempted into illegally acquiring wealth once they had ascended to power. Known as jopith, they included the chief who was often the wealthiest man in a given settlement. Those known as okebe were almost if not equally wealthy, and they owned large amounts of livestock, crops, and had “a reasonable number of children, wives, workers and sojourners.” Such a man was supposed to be self-sufficient in everything and was often a village elder. According to Mbuya, during planting seasons, people were sure of getting seeds from him even after famine. Ogayi came next in rank and, depending on his charisma, he could ascend to any position of leadership. There was also a social designation known as jamoko occupied by those who had adequate amounts of crops and livestock but no children.
Posted on: Wed, 23 Apr 2014 15:20:06 +0000
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