Recurrence of Conflict in Kenya: the Case of Kuresoi Area 1990-2012

Abstract

This study sought to examine the recurrence of conflict in Kenya using a case of Kuresoi area of Nakuru County, Kenya from 1990-2012. Kuresoi area is home to Ogiek, Kipsigis and Nandi (Kalenjins Sub ethnics) The Agikuyu and Abagusii. The advent of multiparty politics in Kenya in 1991 was a precursor to ethnopolitical rifts. Politicians exploited this scenario to resurrect historical grievances leading to a cycle of conflict and election-related violence that has led to a crack in their social, cultural, and economic livelihood. It’s this continuous conflict defying the conflict election continuum that is worth examining. This study is guided by the following objectives: to establish the reasons for the recurrence of conflict in Kuresoi area; to examine the different peace initiatives introduced to curb the conflict; and, to evaluate the peace initiatives introduced to curb the recurrent conflict. In addition, the study seeks to answer the following questions: Do the peace-building initiative's strategies be the cause of recurrence of conflict in the future? Are historical injustices responsible for the recurrence of conflict? The study is guided by the Relative Deprivation theory drawing a line between the recurrent conflict and the deep-rooted grievances under the “Historical Injustices” umbrella. The Interpretive narrative technique approach was used in data analysis of this study to illustrate the relationship among the communities and their experiences living together by highlighting some of the problems they have faced within the period of the scope of the study as a way of indicating the nature of the conflict in Kuresoi area. The study findings point out that indeed the peace initiatives that were introduced to curb the conflict do more harm due to the process of implementing which is firefighting thus leading to a more unequal community leading to compiling of grievances and a further feeling of deprivation by section of the community