Politicization of Inter-ethnic Clashes in Nakuru County:the Case of Nakuru Town.1992 -2015:

Abstract

This paper focuses on the politicization of ethnic clashes in Nakuru town between the periods of 1992 to 2015. The selection of the study area was informed by its previous conflict history that has witnessed the relapse of inter communal clashes especially during election period. This study offers an explanation for this conflict situation by looking into the role of elite manipulation, origin and impact of ethnic hatred and the relationship between ethnic insecurity dilemmas. In addition, the paper lays emphasis on the protracted nature of perceived ethnic tensions and fears with regards to the heterogenic nature of the county. Accordingly, the reintroduction of Multi- Party Politics in Kenya coincided with the escalation of heightened political ethnic confrontation where political elites and other actors apply various means to win elections. It is argued that the political elites have adopted various methods to ensure their stay in power through political control. This study explains how complex myth, symbols and emotions can be employed by elites, like leaders or politicians, to seduce ethnic groups into conflict. To explain the relationship, the researcher adopted the political symbolism theory to show how elite manipulates group myths that justify hostility. The hostile myths, in this view, produce emotionladen symbols that make mass hostility easy for chauvinist elites to provoke and make extremist policies popular