The influence of multiparty politics on ethnic conflict: a case study of Kenya 1992 and 2007 multiparty elections

Abstract

Since the re-emergence of multiparty politics in Kenya in 1992, there has been a lot of ethnic violence with every other multiparty election. One such violence was the one experienced in 1992, before, during and after the multiparty elections. As if that is not enough, the worst of it came during 2007 multiparty elections. So far, since 1992, four multiparty elections have been held yet multiparty competition has continued to divide Kenyans other than promote national unity and integration.

It is in this light this study was carried out to try and investigate why political parties failed to promote national unity and cohesion in Kenya. It also sought to investigate ethnic alignment of political parties in Kenya, to investigate the nexus between multipartism and ethnic conflict, to investigate possible causes including the people who possibly contributed to the election violence in both 1992 and 2007 and how they contributed to the violence. The study analyses opinions on how Kenyans can eliminate ethnicity in Kenya and formation of political parties that promote national cohesion and integration.

The study established that political parties are aligned along ethnic line, a situation that historical. Political elites have worsened the situation in order to maintain status quo or safeguard their political and economic interests. It also established that the voter also has a stake. By agreeing to be bribed, to rig and to vote in the same political leaders who disintegrate the country along ethnic lines.

In the light of research findings, it was suggested that there is need to enforce legal and constitutional framework, strengthen institutions, educate the masses on negative ethnicity and initiate employment-led development. This will go a long way in ending the culture of impunity and enhancing democracy, transparency and accountability.