Cultural pluralism as a source of political instability in Kenya: a critical analysis

Abstract

Since her independence in 1963, Kenya has been marred by a wave of political instability that is ethnically motivated. This research endeavors to within the context of the broader historical background of conflict in Kenya and the theoretical framework on modernization to deal with the effects of cultural pluralism on ethnic tolerance and political instability. It is a critical analysis of cultural pluralism as a source of political instability in Kenya and great emphasis is laid on the post election violence of 2007-2008 and others that preceded it though not of similar magnitude. The research is illustrative of how ill-focused methodologies tend to substitute ethnic accommodation in favor of the culture of exclusion founded on ethnic affiliation. In terms of research design, the work is grounded in data collection and theoretical research. The collected data is divided into four parts. The first part offers a systematic presentation of data relating to culture, ethnicity and political instability in Kenya. The second part qualitatively gives an over view of political instability in Kenya in an effort to develop a more complete understanding of the origin of conflict both at the individual and group level. The third part covers cultural pluralism as a source of political instability in Kenya. The fourth part is a critical analysis of the linkage between cultural pluralism and political instability in Kenya. It concludes by providing some key recommendations that if well implemented would contribute to the achievements of the prospects of viable and sustainable institutions in plural societies.