The role of the church in promoting reconciliation in 2008-2013 post–election violence kenya

Abstract

In Kenya, the occurrence of ethnic- related conflicts seem to be recurrent. In light of this, the church has a critical call to appreciate and make use of her divine mission of fostering reconciliation in the society. Existing research into reconciliation has shown how ineffective methodology could precipitate occurrence and resurgence of ethnic conflicts. The traditional methods of reconciliation that the church has dwelt on in promoting peace and stability have proved ineffective because of their tendency to exclude people’s lifestyles, beliefs and systems. This research seeks to evaluate the actual role the church played in fostering reconciliation, assess reconciliation processes employed by the church in Kenya 2008-2013 post conflict period; and suggest effective strategies that the church could employ in reconciliation. The research was guided by a liberal peace research theory which entailed mutual combination of factors used by the church, and other actors on the relevance of reconciliation by dealing with the conflict cycle from the structural causes of the struggle to its resolution and the assurance of a peaceful living together. Data for this study was obtained from secondary sources. This was descriptive contained in notes form. Guided by the objectives of the study, the data was arranged according to conceptual themes. The main causes of ethnic conflicts include land, poverty, militia gangs, political incitement, and ethnic animosity. The study’s findings indicate that churches in Kenya have been at the forefront in fostering peace using different methods particularly submission, confession, and peace visits. The study established that conflicts recur because of the adoption of ineffective methods of reconciliation and lack of community involvement. The study equally showed that by using a complementary approach to reconciliation and peace building, the tendency to peace stability amid ethic polarization will be sustainable. As it is characterized by every multiethnic society, all actors in reconciliation should ensure that a comprehensive approach to peace building and reconciliation must be aligned to the diversity of cultural world views. After the interpretation and discussion of the data, conclusions were drawn and recommendations for further research given.