The rising Ethnic politics in Kenya have been in the rise are instigated by politicians as was the case in the PEV 2008. These conflicts tend to transcend the state borders to regional and international levels thus the involvement in resolution by the external bodies like the UN, AU, EAC, IGAD among others. These negotiations and mediations may seek to understand the underlying issues, dynamics and effects experienced in the conflicts. This essay will thus seek to address the social, economic, political, religion and security as mobilizing factors of ethno politics, the consequences, and challenges of the 2008/9 post- election violence and how to transform ethnic conflicts in Kenya. The problems resulting from the 2008/9 PEV are highlighted as well as proposals with regard to institutional, legislative, social policies and reforms to better handle the necessary transformation.
The theory of ethnicity is based on primordial and instrumentalist approaches. Kenya witnessed ethnicity and political conflicts in 1992, 1997/8, 2007/8, all of which came after the coming of multi-party politics, which exacerbated ethnic competition for power and resources. Domestic conflicts are believed to ‘‘involve deep issues of ethnic and cultural identity, of recognition, and of participation that are usually denied to ethnic minorities, in addition to other values that are not negotiable.’’ Compromise is more difficult under these conditions because groups often cannot find common ground. Kenyan politics is strongly divided along ethnic lines. Parties are found to draw their support from distinct and separated ethnic groups. President Kibaki’s Party of National Unity (PNU) was mainly supported by the Kikuyu, Embu and Meru ethnic group. The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), which combined several opposition groups headed by Raila Odinga, was supported by Luo, Luhya and Kalenjin ethnic group. As a consequence, more Kenyans value ethnicity above political ideology and policy. The perception that the party offers the best hope for a person within the ‘ascribed’ tribe to assume power and consequently share state resources with tribal members. The result of this view has historically been tribalism or prejudice across tribes, and favoritism within the tribe. An analysis of the 2007 general election in Kenya describes the voting pattern as a mere ‘ethnic census’
Table of Contents
1. Economic
2. Political
3. Social
4. Security
5. Religion
6. What can be done to transform ethnic conflicts in Kenya?
Objectives and Topics
This essay examines the root causes and multifaceted nature of ethno-politics in Kenya, analyzing how social, economic, political, religious, and security factors mobilize ethnic tensions, particularly in the context of the 2008 post-election violence, and proposes institutional and social reforms for conflict transformation.
- The impact of ethno-politics on Kenyan socio-economic and political stability.
- Historical analysis of ethnic divisions and political mobilization.
- Consequences of the 2008 post-election violence on society and national security.
- The role of religion and political leadership in ethnic identity and conflict.
- Strategies for institutional, legislative, and social transformation.
Excerpt from the Book
Political
The political leaders also had a mutual responsibility in the instigation of the violence; both the then government and opposition. Most importantly, the use of genocidal terms by the ODM such as “ethnic cleansing” of the Kikuyus by the Luos and the Luos going all berserk on the streets as well as the Kalenjins going after the Kikuyus was uncalled for. These comments were circulated by use of ethnic journalism which sought to broadcast these messages far and wide. The CNN effect rippled through the country, the region as well as the international community.
The fact that the politicians used hate speech and went scot free promoted more of impunity among the leaders. Political freedom, equal vying opportunity and accountability were dismissed as the ethnic entrepreneurs fell back to their communities as the soft landing zone; playing the ‘victim’ card after realizing that indeed they were in trouble. This only brought about ethnic sympathy, as the political leaders had politicized the varied ethnic markers such as values, objects of their ethnic groups while at the same time had converted these values to compete for power; particization. Thus translating to scholarly conclusion that Kenyan politics are ‘ethnic censured based political winning’.
Chapter Summaries
Economic: This chapter highlights how Kenya's economic growth between 2002 and 2007 was undermined by post-election violence and external crises, noting that ethnic groups were often manipulated as interest groups to compete for wealth.
Political: The section discusses how political leaders fueled violence through hate speech and ethnic mobilization, ultimately fostering a culture of impunity and "ethnic census" voting patterns.
Social: This chapter outlines the devastating human cost of the 2008 violence, including thousands of deaths, mass displacement, and the breakdown of basic social and medical services.
Security: This part analyzes the collapse of state security during the violence, noting the failure of the police to remain neutral and the subsequent need for legislative reforms and the transition from a police force to a service.
Religion: The chapter explores the contradictory role of religion in Kenyan politics, moving from a cooperative state ally during the colonial era to an oppositional force, and finally to a tool for political legitimacy.
What can be done to transform ethnic conflicts in Kenya?: This concluding chapter proposes a "flow approach" involving institutional reforms, the implementation of past commission recommendations, and the protection of minority rights to achieve long-term peace.
Keywords
Ethno-politics, Kenya, Ethnic Conflict, Post-election Violence, Political Mobilization, Socio-economic, Security, Governance, Religion, Human Rights, Reconciliation, Institutional Reform, Hate Speech, Ethnic Entrepreneurs, Peacebuilding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this work?
The work explores the phenomenon of ethno-politics in Kenya, specifically investigating how various societal sectors—social, economic, political, security, and religious—have been mobilized to incite conflict, with a focus on the 2008 post-election violence.
What are the core thematic areas discussed?
The core themes include the history of ethnic divisions in Kenya, the role of political elites in fostering tribalism, the economic consequences of electoral violence, and the systemic challenges within the security and religious sectors.
What is the central research objective?
The primary goal is to analyze the dynamics of ethnic conflict in Kenya and to propose viable transformation strategies, including legislative, institutional, and social policy reforms, to mitigate future violence.
Which methodology is employed in this study?
The paper utilizes a qualitative analysis approach, drawing on academic literature, historical review of Kenyan political development, and reports from government and international organizations to assess conflict drivers.
What is covered in the main body of the work?
The main body examines the specific impact of ethnic divisions on Kenya's economic development, the political manipulation of ethnic identities, the social repercussions of displacement, the role of security forces during crises, and the intersection of religion and politics.
What are the characterizing keywords of this research?
Key terms include ethno-politics, ethnic conflict, post-election violence, political mobilization, governance, peacebuilding, and institutional reform.
How did political leaders contribute to the 2008 post-election violence?
According to the author, political leaders used hate speech, genocidal rhetoric, and ethnic journalism to mobilize support, creating an environment of impunity and forcing communities into tribal "soft landing zones."
What does the "flow approach" entail in the context of conflict transformation?
The "flow approach" refers to addressing conflicts through institutional and constitutional measures where the mwananchi (citizens) are actively involved in the policy agenda and deliberations to ensure fair, bottom-up solutions.
- Citar trabajo
- BSc. BIT MA (ICM) Nangira Namano (Autor), 2016, Ethno politics in Kenya. What can be done to transform ethnic conflicts in Kenya?, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/371928
