ABSTRACT
The objective of this text is to investigate traditional behavior practices that could influence the transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus among the Luo of Kenya. The subjects were widows of Luo men who had died of a chronic illness between November 1991 and October; 1992. It is concluded that widow inheritance is a determinant of sex among the Luo and influences the spread of HIV due to the pattern of sexual networking whereby men who inherit widows have multiple sex partners; high frequency of exchange of these men among widows and low level of condom use. Considering that this practice is deeply rooted; and is practised by Luo groups in Uganda; Tanzania; Zaire and Sudan; community based AIDS education targeting the elders; women and the youth should be started with the aim of finding a solution of the AIDS pandemic