ONYANGO RABALA : KARUNGU & KADEM'S HOMELANDS
We traced the journey from the time of Joka Jok entry into Cenral Nyanza, of Kenya, in the 15th Century CE to their late 17th Century CE departure to "test the land" in Mirunda in South Nyanza.
We traced the journey from the time of Joka Jok entry into Cenral Nyanza, of Kenya, in the 15th Century CE to their late 17th Century CE departure to "test the land" in Mirunda in South Nyanza.
After testing land at Mirunda and Asego, where they traded with and intermarried with Bantus, they set up Gunda Bur at Kanyamwa.
Gunda Bur is a fortified, trench-encircled walled settlements that Luos used to make to protect their people and property as men waged wars of conquest in the target territories.
One by one, each of Jokonyango Rabala groups left the Gunda Bur in Kanyamwa.
One by one, each of Jokonyango Rabala groups left the Gunda Bur in Kanyamwa.
Jo-Kadem and Jo-Karungu left Gunda in three phases led by legendary worrior-leaders Mbeo, Owiti Bwoch and Ler.
They dislodged the Jo-Ugu, Jo-Suna and Jo-Wagire in battles from the lanf which is strategic for fish stocks, fertile land and trading posts for the Lake Victoria trade
They dislodged the Jo-Ugu, Jo-Suna and Jo-Wagire in battles from the lanf which is strategic for fish stocks, fertile land and trading posts for the Lake Victoria trade
Jo-Karungu expanded to Sori between 1757 and 1803 CE. This was during the era of Wambogo.
Jo-Kadem established their main settlement at Got Kachola, which became the dispersal centre for Kadem expansion.
Jo-Kadem established their main settlement at Got Kachola, which became the dispersal centre for Kadem expansion.
They had a famous leader called Mifuong'o who was famous for his bilo. After his death, Got Kachola become a sacred shrine for both Jo-Kadem and Jo-Karungu.
Kadem people were great in agriculture, animal husbandry and fishing. Their women played a great role in the complex trade around Lake Victoria.
They also maintained very cordial relationships with neighbors preferring to trade with Jo-Kanyamkago, Jo-Suba, Jo-Kabuoch and Abakuria among others.
By 1803, Jokonyango had vanquished all Bantu and Nilotic groups in the territory they set eyes on.
By 1803, Jokonyango had vanquished all Bantu and Nilotic groups in the territory they set eyes on.
Jo-Kadem and Jo-Karungu together with Jo-Kanyamkago and Jo-Kabuoch are the South Nyanza Luos who violently resisted the Germans and the British in the late 19th Century.
Other Jokonyango preferred to adhere to the Prophesy of Gor Mahia. The history of Luo colonisation and christianisation is a subject for another day.
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