ELECTION VIOLENCE IN KENYA

Abstract

This study focuses on the role of ethnic violence in Kenya’s electoral process from 1992-2013 with a specific reference to factors that shape and influence the election outcome. These include ethnic divisions, institutions, social cleavages and media. There is nothing that Kenyan citizens fear as the outbreak of a fresh ethnic conflict like those that rocked the country during the 1992 post-election violence. Kenyans believe that the wave of inter-ethnic conflicts which took place at most of the provinces were the worst since its independence in 1963. As a result Kenyans now believe that violence may arise during any future elections, hence making this an important topic for discussion. Ethnic conflicts during elections in Kenya have continued to generate confusion, panic and skepticism between the government and the opposition parties. In the light of the above scenario, this study attempts to find, analyze and verify the root causes of the ethnic conflicts in order to understand and propose solutions that could help the Kenyan government and society in their search for a better future through democratic consolidation. This study also attempts to discuss other crucial themes related to ethnic conflicts and their implications to the stability and development of Kenya. Using case studies of five election years 1992, 1997, 2002, 2007, and 2013 the study finds support for the hypothesis that ethnic divisions influence election violence.