The Role of Media in Electoral Conflict Management Case Study of Kenyan 1992-2007

Abstract

For years, Kenya has been known as an “an Isle of peace”. However this image has changed with time due to the marred election process that culminated to the 2007/8 election crisis which left more than 1,200 people dead and over half a million internally displaced. Other serious human rights, including freedom of movement, assembly and opinion were violated. The Commission of Inquiry set to investigate the violence has attributed the crisis to unresolved historical grievances. However, the government and international agencies blame some sections of the media, for inflaming violence and ethnic hatred among Kenyans (KNCHR, 2008). Although Kenya remains East Africans’ economic hub, its system of governance is riddled with rampant corruption, impunity and ethnic divisionism. The media is one of the most vibrant institutions. It is vocal on political and socio-economic developments. In so far, much has been written on the role of the media in the conflict, but little on their role in peace-building. Yet, peace remains a human rights concern locally and internationally. This study investigates the role the media plays in electoral conflicts and the management of these conflicts in Kenya. Specifically, it will examine the role of media in conflict and conflict management, investigate the impact of media in electoral processes and explore the linkages between media and electoral conflicts. The study is grounded within media theories hereunder; the normative roles of the media as agents of order, public sphere, and mobiliser. It employs the Agenda setting theory on how the media reinforces public discourses on political processes, to explain concepts. The agenda setting role provides a theoretical assumption of the responsibility of the media in preserving rights and freedoms. The study looks at the 1992, 1997, 2002 and 2007 General Elections in Kenya with and aim of seeing how the changes in the media have influenced electoral conflicts. Kenyan electoral campaigns have been characterized byvoting along ethnic lines and the political elite take advantage of these divisions to advance personal political interests. Politicians have managed to create an impression that elections are a contest of “us” versus “them.” The electoral processes have in most instances been marred by instances of post-election violence. However, politicians need an avenue to communicate en masse to their supporters. The media is a key avenue through which people express their opinions on issues of the day. The media decides which issues are to be talked about on a particular day and in so doing sets the agenda of discussion in the public light. Media can be used as a conflict management tool and serve as a tool for development rather than a tool for raising tensions and animosity amongst different ethnic groups. Kenyan media has experienced developmental changes in the past two decades ever since the onset of multiparty politics in 1992. From the era of state controlled media to liberalization of print and electronic media, to the new digital media, the avenues for communication have indeed grown