This study explores the controversial cultural practice of wife inheritance among the
Luo ethnic group of Kenya, specifically those living in Siaya District. It compares
responses obtained from Siaya residents with those of Luos living in Nairobi. The
focus is on the nature of wife inheritance, as conducted traditionally, and the changes it
has undergone, bringing it to its current mode of practice. In addition, reasons for these
changes are discussed at length, and various sociological theories on change are used to
explain them. The study also looks at the perceptions on, and attitudes of various
stakeholders towards both modes of the practice, and the factors that influence these
perceptions and attitudes. Finally, the study reviews the possible link between this
practice and the spread of HIV and AIDS in Siaya.
The study found that most Luos whether educated or illiterate, whether urban or rural
dwellers and whether young or old have considerable knowledge of this practice.
However, pockets of inconsistency and conflicting information were evident in
discussions with the various respondents. While practitioners were found to be largely
Siaya residents, support for this cultural practice was also evident in Nairobi. There is
general consensus that traditionally, the practice had extremely noble attributes.
However, its current mode of practice was criticized as unacceptable, with a few
respondents calling for its total elimination, while others calling for its modification to
render it meaningful.
Respondents in the study were found to be on the defensive, with a majority disagreeing
with claims by medical experts that this practice is the main factor fueling the spread of
HIV and AIDS in Siaya and other districts in Nyanza. To support this denial,
respondents listed a myriad of other factors, which, in their opinion, are contributing
more to the spread of this epidemic.
The study concluded that traditional beliefs are a force to reckon with, and that it is not
that simple to wipe away a practice such as this. Rather, it is recommended that
awareness campaigns be intensified on the consequences of unprotected sex, the
meaning of HIV and AIDS, the importance of individual rights, and many other related
issues, so that practitioners make inform.
During the night of inheritance, the wife who lost a husband will have sex with a chosen male ,Who will cleanse him by having sex with her all night.before handing her to the brother who will inherit her.
Luo ethnic group of Kenya, specifically those living in Siaya District. It compares
responses obtained from Siaya residents with those of Luos living in Nairobi. The
focus is on the nature of wife inheritance, as conducted traditionally, and the changes it
has undergone, bringing it to its current mode of practice. In addition, reasons for these
changes are discussed at length, and various sociological theories on change are used to
explain them. The study also looks at the perceptions on, and attitudes of various
stakeholders towards both modes of the practice, and the factors that influence these
perceptions and attitudes. Finally, the study reviews the possible link between this
practice and the spread of HIV and AIDS in Siaya.
The study found that most Luos whether educated or illiterate, whether urban or rural
dwellers and whether young or old have considerable knowledge of this practice.
However, pockets of inconsistency and conflicting information were evident in
discussions with the various respondents. While practitioners were found to be largely
Siaya residents, support for this cultural practice was also evident in Nairobi. There is
general consensus that traditionally, the practice had extremely noble attributes.
However, its current mode of practice was criticized as unacceptable, with a few
respondents calling for its total elimination, while others calling for its modification to
render it meaningful.
Respondents in the study were found to be on the defensive, with a majority disagreeing
with claims by medical experts that this practice is the main factor fueling the spread of
HIV and AIDS in Siaya and other districts in Nyanza. To support this denial,
respondents listed a myriad of other factors, which, in their opinion, are contributing
more to the spread of this epidemic.
The study concluded that traditional beliefs are a force to reckon with, and that it is not
that simple to wipe away a practice such as this. Rather, it is recommended that
awareness campaigns be intensified on the consequences of unprotected sex, the
meaning of HIV and AIDS, the importance of individual rights, and many other related
issues, so that practitioners make inform.
During the night of inheritance, the wife who lost a husband will have sex with a chosen male ,Who will cleanse him by having sex with her all night.before handing her to the brother who will inherit her.
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