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.
Citation
Institute of Diplomacy and International StudiesPublisher
University of Nairobi