Widow Inheritance among the Luo of Kenya : Virtue or Vice?

Abstract

Culture which defines communities and gives them identity is a feature that is common to societies the world over. The Luo Community that inhabits the lake region of Kenya, Sudan, Tanzania and other parts of East and Central Africa have as one of their cultural pillars the practice of widow inheritance. This involves the union of a widow with a relative of the deceased husband preferably a cousin who becomes in almost all respects a new husband This paper examines the foundations of this practice and tries to find its justification. In the process an analysis of its possible grounds, its current status and factors that have affected its continuation as a valued aspect of this society is undertaken. An application of various philosophical theories on this practice is attempted to assess the moral value of this phenomenon. Underlying this assessment is the theoretical assumption that there must have existed certain grounds for this practice that were based on the community 's socioeconomic and political underpinnings that made it a cherished tradition. At the end, an attempt is made to support the position that widow inheritance could have been a noble practice that has simply been challenged by the changing socioeconomic and political milieu that the Luo society currently finds itself in. It is hoped that the paper, having shed some light on this practice, shall assist in its re- evaluation and possible refinement because some of its foundations seem to remain relevant even in the current civilization.