Influence of Statist Inter-Ethnic Transformation of Politics in The Management of Inter-Ethnic Conflicts in Bungoma County, Kenya

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Date

2024

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Chuka University

Abstract

Politics largely defines both protractible and intractability in inter-ethnic conflicts globally. In Kenya, Bungoma County in particular, inter-ethnic political reasons exacerbated 1963 including 1992 conflicts. The specific objective was to examine the effect of statist inter-ethnic integration of politics in management of inter-ethnic conflicts in Bungoma County. A conceptual framework underpinned by Ledarach’s Conflict Transformation and Gultang’s Conflict Triangle theories guided the study. The study applied a descriptive research. The study was conducted in Bungoma County. Simple Radom and Purposive sampling procedures determined the participant. The sample size of 400 participants used was derived from 1375065 population using Yamane 1967. Questionnaires, interviews, FGD and document analysis were instruments used to collect primary and secondary data respectively. Quantitative data was analysed by MS excel while thematization, corroboration and verification was applied to qualitative data. The study findings were: Though the use of inter-ethnic politics as scapegoat scored 15% responses in fueling inter-ethnic animosity, it worked alongside, hostile inter-ethnic inter-group politics, the elite tilted inter-ethnic perceptions, inter- ethnic violent political transition from one party to multiparty, inter-ethnic political contests and intensified leadership struggles which scored 17% responses each in influencing inter-ethnic conflicts in Bungoma County. However, despite the regulation of political parties, affirmative action, consensus and inter-ethnic integration were statist inter- ethnic structures set for inter-ethnic political integration, the process was lethergic. The study recommends, detachment of inter-ethnic demarcation from political cum administrative boundaries in Bungoma County.

Description

Article

Keywords

Statist, Politics, Inter-ethnic transformation of politics, Inter-ethnic conflict management, Peacebuilding

Citation

Chebai M. J., (2024). Influence of Statist Inter-Ethnic Transformation of Politics in The Management of Inter-Ethnic Conflicts in Bungoma County, Kenya. In: Mutembei Henry, Nduru Gilbert, Munyiri Shelmith, Gathungu Geofrey, Kiboro Christopher, Otiso Wycliffe, Rithaa Jafford, Miriti Gilbert, Gichumbi Joel, Mwathi David, Gitonga Lucy, Nanua Jackin, Kahindi Roseline, Jonathan Kathenge & Muthui Zipporah (Eds.). Proceedings of the Chuka University Tenth Annual International Research Conference held in Chuka University, Chuka, Kenya from 5th to 6th October, 2023. 515 - 528 pp.