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They are believed to have originated from Bahr-el-Ghazal region of southern Sudan.
They then migrated to Pubungu Pakwach in Uganda where they settled by 1450 AD.
They later moved into Kenya. Their arrival caused the displacement of many Bantu-
speaking peoples, notably the Gusii, Kuria and Luhya, who were forced into the
highlands east and north of the lake.
Why did they leave Bahr-el-Ghazal region?
a) They might have been Escaping from clan or family feuds.
b) There was population pressure in their area of origin.
c) They were nomadic pastoralists in search of better grazing lands and water for their
livestock
d) They were fleeing the outbreak of disease that affected both people and animals.
e) They were escaping famine and drought.
f) They fled constant attacks from their neighbours.
g) They were also looking for better fishing grounds.
h) The migrated to satisfy their spirit of adventure.
Their migration into Kenya began in the 15thc. they moved in four distinct groups;
a) Joka-jok- people of jok. Was the first group to enter into kenya from Uganda. They
first settled at Ramogi hills in Kadimo Siaya district displacing the earlier Gusii settlers.
Two of Jok’s sons fled to south Nyanza to form the Karachuonyo and Wanjare clans.
Thisgroup spread to Sakwa, Alego, Asembo and other parts of Nyanza.
b) Joka-Owiny. Owiny moved from Uganda to settle in Sogoma in Alego with his group
in the 17thc. he was both a great fighter and leader (Ruoth). He came to be known as
Owiny Sigoma and his people Joka Ruoth. This group settled in Kisumu, Nyakach and
South Nyanza.
c) Joka-Omolo. They came from northern Banyoro and settled temporarily in Ibanda and
Bukoli before moving to Ugenya and Gem. They displaced the Abagusii and Abalogoli
out of Yimbo. They spread to Alego and then across winam gulf into south nyanza.
d) The abasuba. They are Bantu in origin but are associated with the Luo. They are a
mixture of Bantu refugees from Uganda who intermarried with the Luo. They settled in
the Lake Victoria islands of Mfangano and Rusinga and also in gwasi area. They adopted
Luo culture.
Effects of Luo Migration
a) The settlement of the Luo in Kenya led to increase in population in the area.
b) Their arrival intensified conflicts between them and other communities in the area
over limited resources. For example they displaced the western Bantu like the Abaluhyia,
Abakuria and Abagusii
c) There were intermarriages between the Luo and the Luyia and Maasai groups in the
area.
d) The Luo assimilated some Luhyia communities living in the area.