An Analysis of State Response to Political Protests and Its Impact on Conflict Management- the Case of Kenya’s 2017 Elections

Abstract

This study focuses on the response of states towards political protests and its implications to conflict management; case of Kenya in 2017 general elections. It examines the major causes of political protests in Kenya and delved into understanding the interventions that the government employed in responding to political protest in Kenya in 2017 elections. It also analyzed the impact of these responses on conflict management in the country. A key emerging issue in the study is that of inter-ethnic violence that is used negatively by the leaders to stir hatred towards other ethnic communities. The study is concluded with recommendations on more impactful and operational strategies to ensure that the Kenyan government addresses the underlying tensions that send citizens to protests are addressed by allowing for peaceful protests to be conducted. The study further recommends that smaller county oversight bodies/committees be formed to compliment the work of IPOA as well as set clear policing guidelines and provide adequate training for the police. The study sets out two hypotheses. The first hypothesis is, higher levels of state repression trigger higher levels of political protests. The second hypothesis is, the state response to political protests in Kenya is inconsistent with effective conflict management strategies. The study depended largely on primary and secondary data with the use narratives including thematic approach to present the information situated within the conflict theory concepts.