International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) |Volume VI, Issue X, October 2022|ISSN 2454-6186
Fredrick O. Amolo1, Philomena N. Mwaura2, Michael T. Katola2
1Africa Nazarene University, Kenya
2Kenyatta University, Kenya
Abstract: In Kenya, The Luo and Nandi ethnic communities have had increased ethnic conflicts for over a decade. Ethnic tensions and conflicts have prevailed in the bordering section of the Muhoroni and Tinderet sub-counties. These ethnic conflicts have negatively affected the socio-cultural and political-economic well-being of the communities in conflict. The causes of such conflicts are varied in societies. The study investigated the causes of ethnic conflict between the Luo and the Nandi communities. The study was qualitative research designed to explore the reasons behind the persistent nature of the Luo and Nandi ethnic conflicts. The data was collected from community elders, community members, civil society, and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). The study employed several instruments, including surveys, an oral interview guide and a focused group discussions guide. The data from the questionnaires were coded and analysed using the Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21. The study finds that there are social, religio-cultural, political, and economic determinants in hostile Luo-Nandi relations. The study recommends that (1) The amity actors need to involve a multi-faceted method in the ethnic conflict to deal with ethnic conflict causative dimensions; (2) Peacebuilding efforts must take societal issues seriously to prevent ethnic conflicts between Luo and Nandi communities; (3) peace actors must work on social rebuilding and conduct transformation; and (4) the stakeholders in building peace must address economic matters along the border of the Luo and Nandi people.
Keywords: Ethnic conflict, socio-cultural, politico-economic, causes of ethnic conflict
I. INTRODUCTION
Ethnic conflict is a global phenomenon. It is understood as a disagreement linked to social, cultural, political, and economic interests between cultural communities. The cultural dispute is linked to the struggle for security, common interest, and recognition. Often, ethnic conflicts generate staggering destruction, including significant loss of life, serious injustices, relational distance, and considerable material destruction. Indeed, cases of active prevalent ethnic conflict have been experienced in Kenya. Persistent tribal conflicts include the Pokot, Turkana, Luo, and Nandi borders (Herrera, 2013). In this regard, the explosion of violent ethnic conflicts between the Luo and Nandi of the Muhoroni and Tinderet regions have existed for over two decades (Osamba, 2001). Kasomo (2010) confirm that ethnic conflict in this region takes place consecutively since 1991.