Luo

The Luo are a Nilotic ethnic group in East Africa, primarily inhabiting western Kenya around Lake Victoria, with significant populations in northern Uganda and parts of western Tanzania. They are one of the largest ethnic groups in Kenya and in Uganda, and form a major component of the Lake Victoria basin communities.

Luo languages comprise several related languages in the Western Nilotic branch of the Nilo-Saharan phylum. The best-known is Dholuo, spoken by the Joluo in Kenya and parts of Tanzania; other Luo-speaking groups include the Adhola (Jopadhola) and Alur in Uganda. Most Luo people are bilingual, with Swahili and English used in education and public life.

Traditionally, Luo livelihoods include fishing from Lake Victoria, crop farming (maize, millet, cassava), and small-scale trade; cattle herding also occurs in some groups. The Luo have a rich musical heritage, featuring the nyatiti (a plucked lyre) and other traditional instruments; modern Luo music has contributed to Kenyan pop styles such as benga. Social life centers on extended families and customary practices.

Originating from Nilotic migrations from the Nile valley, Luo-speaking communities settled around Lake Victoria by the early modern period. History in the region includes interactions with neighboring peoples, trade networks, and colonial-era changes in land and governance.

Today, most Luo identify with Christianity, while Islam and traditional beliefs are present in some communities. Notable Luo figures include Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and his son Raila Odinga, both prominent Kenyan politicians; Tom Mboya, a key post-independence leader; and Barack Obama Sr., father of U.S. President Barack Obama, who was from the Luo community.