The role of kenyan print media in conflict situation: A case study of how the Nation Newspapers covered the inter-ethnic clashes in Rift Valley province during the period January, 1 to June 30, 1992 general elections year

Abstract

Until the process to restore democracy to Africa under multi-party gained momentum Africa leaders claimed infallibility, weakened parliament and suppressed their subjects. Even the slightest criticism was viewed as subversive. Multiparty certainly swept in the wind of change in Africa and the phenomenon was quickly picked up in Kenya in 1991. Multi-party democracy was seen as change and an opening for freedom of expression, protection of human rights and equal distribution of resources. However ethnic conflicts have dominated this process becoming more passionate during Kenya's general elections that are held after every five years.

The purpose of this study was to find out the role of media in conflict situation a case of the inter-ethnic clashes in Rift Valley between January 1 to June 30th 1992 general elections year by analyzing the Nation Newspapers coverage of the inter-ethnic clashes. The Analysis attempted to answer question on how the Nation Newspapers framed the conflict, space given in the Newspapers on issue of conflict and the perpetrators of the conflict. The analysis was executed by use of the questionnaires and findings presented in the table forms.

The major findings of the study indicated that land, ethnic animosity, politics and impunity were major causes of the inter-ethnic clashes in Rift Valley in 1992 general elections year and that the Nation Newspapers reported the news events objectively and accurately giving the background to the issues of inter-ethnic clashes and refocused on clashes as opposed to campaigns and elections that were expected in December of 1992 despite the authoritarian rule under which it operated.

The research concluded that the print media has a social responsibility to promote unity among different ethnic groups living in the Rift Valley region by steering away from ethnic based style of politics to idea based style of politics. The study

recommends that both political leadership and media ought to be cautious in their coverage and utterances and impunity which the perpetrators of violence operate should draw the attention of the government.

Some of the factors emphasized in the ethnic conflicts and role of Nation Newspapers in Rift Valley province may not be wholly generalized for media in Kenya. Some parallels can be drawn on some cases. Therefore the study proposes further case specific and comparative studies on role of print media in conflict situation in line with democratization especially the element of elections with the purpose of drawing more parallel and variations.