AN ANALYSIS ON THE ROLE OF ETHNIC AND RELIGIOUS CLEAVAGES IN POLITICAL VIOLENCE IN KENYA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

The prioritisation of human security as a concept has seen a growing acceptability on a global scale. Consequently, there is a growing condemnation of the human and developmental costs associated with political violence, leading to the establishment of various initiatives aimed at their prevention. The advent of globalisation and advancements in digital technology have facilitated the rapid dissemination of news about war, terrorism, and other manifestations of political violence around the globe. This unprecedented accessibility to such information has therefore generated a heightened impetus for peace from many sources. The endorsement of this initiative has been substantiated by academic studies, which have shown a favourable correlation between peace and the economic advancement of a nation. Consequently, these findings provide further incentives for governments to refrain from engaging in political violence and to expedite its resolution (Basedau, 2019). Academic researchers analysing economic indices, such as the average quality of living, may argue that political violence may be seen as a kind of "regressive development." In contrast, historians and anthropologists interpret political violence within the framework of social movements that question existing authorities, seeing it as a manifestation of a state's deficient legitimacy over its populace or as a forceful reaction by the state to such challenges. Political violence is a multifaceted occurrence that manifests in several ways. Nevertheless, its defining feature is the presence of opposing factions with clashing objectives, which they believe cannot be attained by nonviolent methods (Harris & Posner, 2019). Political violence may arise from a variety of factors, including differing ideologies, power struggles, aspirations for autonomy, social disparities, repression, and exclusion, among others. These agendas often exhibit characteristics of both complexity and adaptability. The focus of this research will be on internal political violence, while it is acknowledged that political violence may extend beyond the confines of a state. Following the conclusion of the Cold War, there was a notable increase in the occurrence of intra-state conflict in comparison to inter-state conflict.Religion, as a component of individual identity, may have significant influence on political dynamics within a state or area, particularly in the context of wider cultural strife (Kasara, 2017). What factors contribute to the proliferation of religion and the emergence of religious conflicts in several nations? The word "religion" is used in two interrelated but separate ways. In a material context, the term "religious" refers to both religious institutions and authorities, as well as social groupings and movements that are primarily motivated by religious matters. Religion, in a spiritual context, encompasses frameworks of societal and individual conduct that assist adherents in structuring their daily existence (Oloo, 2018). Religion, in this context, pertains to the concept of transcendence, which involves supernatural phenomena. It also encompasses sanctity, which refers to the use of language and rituals that structure the universe based on what is considered sacred. Additionally, religion addresses ultimacy, which concerns the fundamental aspects of life (Kim, 2017). In the context of African nations characterised by a diverse ethnic makeup, instances of intra-state conflicts often include the confrontation of several ethnic populations. Kenya, as a nation, is characterised by its diverse ethnic composition and has seen several instances of political unrest throughout its historical trajectory. The phenomenon of political violence has often been characterised as ethnic confrontations that intermittently transpire in the context of political rivalries, particularly during electoral cycles (Elischer, 2019). The political violence in Kenya has materialised in manners that engender conflict between distinct ethnic and religious communities, this study seeks to analyze the role of ethnic and religious cleavages in political violence in Kenya.

1.2 Statement of the problem

Kenya has shown a notable susceptibility to political violence that is characterised by ethnic and religious divisions. Since the advent of multi-party politics, instances of political violence have been seen in the years 1992, 1997, and during the period of post-election unrest in 2007/2008. The aforementioned periods have significance due to their alignment with the national elections. The phenomenon of ethnicized political violence has not only engendered adverse consequences for national cohesiveness, but has also impeded the political and economic progress of the nation. The need for a deeper comprehension of political violence in Kenya has been driven by the significant expenses associated with it (Bates, 2018). This study aims to contribute to the existing academic debate by investigating the correlation between political violence in Kenya during general elections and the ethnically-driven nature of such violence. This research aims to address the following inquiries: What factors contribute to the recurring instances of political violence in Kenya during election periods? What is the significance of ethnicity in shaping societal dynamics? Is there a correlation between ethnic mobilisation and political violence in Kenya? The focal point of investigation in this research is to the dependent variable, which encompasses instances of political violence that are directly associated with electoral processes. The independent variable is the nature of political mobilization.

1.3       Objective of the study

The broad objective of the study is to analyze the role of ethnic and religious cleavages in political violence in Kenya. The specific objectives is as follows

i.                    Assess the extent to which ethnic and religious cleavages influence political violence in Kenya.

ii.                  Examine the reason for inclusion of ethnic and religious cleaveges in the Kenya political scene.

iii.                Find out how the use of ethnicity and religious contributes to political violence in Kenya.

1.4       Research Questions

The following questions have been prepared for the study

i.          What is the extent to which ethnic and religious cleavages influence political violence in Kenya.

ii.        Examine the reason for inclusion of ethnic and religious cleaveges in the Kenya political scene.

iii.      Find out how the use of ethnicity and religious contributes to political violence in Kenya.

1.5       Significance of the study

This study seeks to contribute to the existing body of knowledge on ethno politics, ethnic identities, political violence, and the nature of political mobilization in Africa. Existing discourse on political violence in Kenya has tended to focus more intently on the particular events around the political violence rather than the analysis of the causes. Furthermore, some discussion has discussed the political violence as a manifestation of existing ethnic tensions that are longstanding

1.6       Scope of the study

The study focuses on the role of ethnic and religious cleavages in political violence in Kenya. Hence, the study will assess the extent to which ethnic and religious cleavages influence political violence in Kenya, examine the reason for inclusion of ethnic and religious cleaveges in the Kenya political scene and find out how the use of ethnicity and religious contributes to political violence in Kenya.

1.7       Limitation of the study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. Insufficient funds tend to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire, and interview), which is why the researcher resorted to a moderate choice of sample size. More so, the researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. As a result, the amount of time spent on research will be reduced

1.8       Definition of terms

Ethnicity: the quality or fact of belonging to a population group or subgroup made up of people who share a common cultural background or descent.

Religion: the belief in and worship of a superhuman power or powers, especially a God or gods.

Politics: the activities associated with the governance of a country or area, especially the debate between parties having power.

Violence: behaviour involving physical force intended to hurt, damage, or kill someone or something.

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