This archive report was first published on 29 July 2019.
Kenya is home to over 40 languages, but one professor believes that the Luo language deserves special recognition. Professor Sammy Gwada Ogot, a well-known advocate for the legalisation of medical bhang, has filed a petition in the National Assembly to have Luo language classified as an official language in Kenya.
Published on July 29, 2019, the petition argues that the Luo language has a unique capacity to generate, record, translate, instruct, and transmit knowledge scientifically. Professor Gwada believes that the language is the foundation of universal knowledge and should be recognised and given the status it deserves.
According to the petition, Article 7 of the Constitution identifies Kiswahili as the national language and lists Kiswahili and English as the official languages. Professor Gwada wants the Parliament to amend the article to include Luo alongside Kiswahili and English, aligning with the government's policy to promote and protect the diversity of languages in Kenya.
Professor Gwada's petition is a step towards realising the national ideal of self-sufficiency in language and aligns with the policy guidelines formulated by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) as well as tenets of the new competency-based education system.
"Luo is the language of light in which the Holy Bible was written and is therefore the key to deciphering meanings of identities, expressions, and contexts of all other faiths universally since all primarily constructed on Luo morphemes," Professor Gwada stated in his petition.
