Analysis of the Impact of Negative Ethnicity on National Politics in Kenya: a Case Study of Molo Sub-county (1992-2016)

Abstract

Ethnicity is a phenomenon which has largely been misunderstood in political systems. It is the consciousness of belonging to an ethnic group where an ethnic group is a group of people who claim to share commonality in traditions, ancestry and language. It only becomes negative when a dichotomy is implied ‘we versus them’. Politics of ethnicity are not only unique in Kenya but in many other places in Africa, it is still prevalent in many parts of Kenya. In the contemporary environment, Africa is confronted by numerous socio-political and economic maladies. Many of the negative forces operating in the continent have restructured people’s lives, and the manner public and private institutions respond to their needs and interests. Since independence, violent ethnic conflicts have been witnessed in many African countries not limited to Nigeria, DRC, Rwanda, and Burundi. In East Africa and in particular Kenya, Molo sub-county in Nakuru County has been hit hard by some of the most horrible forms of ethnic related violence with social, economic and cultural consequences. This has continuously been so because of mismanagement of ethnic diversity and abuse of democracy. This is largely the result of negative ethnicity that continues to shape the nature of competitive politics and land allocation and ownership issues. Even though the Government of Kenya has employed various strategies to address the implications of negative ethnicity in Molo sub-county, it is apparent that initiatives by non-governmental organizations such as religious and educational institutions have largely succeeded in restoring lasting peace and security in Molo. The equation of ethnic dominance has largely contributed to violence since the larger communities tend to fight for supremacy and at the same time dominated the minority groups. The minority are therefore ignored and neglected thereby rising aggravating mistrust and confidence. The needs for all the ethnic groups need to be addressed in order to create harmony among them.