| dc.description.abstract | This study sought to investigate the effect of Marakwet-Pokot conflict on the sociopolitical organization of the Marakwet in Tot Division (along the Kerio Valley). The Marakwet-Pokot conflict has visited untold sufferings to the people ofKerio Valley for a long time, thereby collapsing traditional socio-po litical institutions of peace-making like kokwo and administration of oath taking ceremonies (muma or miissi. The objectives of the study included determining the nature of Marakwet-Pokot Conflict in Tot Division, identifying the existing socio-political structures of the Marakwet living in Tot Division, exploring the effect of out-migration on the socio-political organization of Marakwet living in Tot Division, and finding out the emerging coping mechanisms. adopted by the Marakwet as a way of preserving their socio-political organization in the face of the violent conflicts in the region.
The study targeted 100 respondents. There were 80 randomly selected general informants and 20 purposively selected key informants comprising of provincial administration officials, heads of police divisions, leaders of CBOs, NGOs and church based organizations were targeted as key informants. Questionnaires/ interview schedules, key informant guides and FGD questions were used to collect the data. The quantitative data was then analyzed using SPSS and described using descriptive statistics,· whereas the qualitative data was summarized and interrelationships among variables were noted.
The study found out that Marakwet-Pokot conflict has disrupted Marakwet socio-political organization in many respects. There is more involvement of external forces and women in resolving the conflicts than before. The council of elders have been touted as having good experience on how to resolve conflicts, enjoying supremacy and the capacity, to enforce forceful decisions, or having the necessary skill and qualifications because they are the custodians of curses. However, their declining capacity in resolving MarakwetPokot conflict, thereby paving way for external forces, is a reflection of the breakdown of Marakwet socio-political organization as a result ofthe cattle rustling conflicts. | en_US |
