Christian Based Interventions to Mitigate the Effects of Interethnic Conflict in Njoro Sub-county, 1992-2012.

Abstract

This thesis focuses on Christian-based interventions in the effects of interethnic conflicts on people residing in the Njoro Sub-county, from 1992 to 2012. The study has provided detailed information on the causes and effects of interethnic conflict. It has further provided valuable information on the Christian based interventions, aspects that influence interventions, and the difficulties experienced. Recommendations on improving the effectiveness of Christian based interventions have been made. The theoretical framework in the study is the theory of situational ethics which asserts that the absolute law that should influence decision making in any circumstance is love. It is envisaged in the study that the provision of interventions to those affected by the conflict is primarily a result of the love that is articulated in Christian teachings. The researcher applied the qualitative methodology to collect the data. Forty informants who comprised members of ethnic communities, individuals engaged in conflict resolution, peace, and reconciliation process, government officials, and members of the clergy were interviewed. Judgmental sampling was applied to identify respondents that had information relevant to the study. From the findings, Christian based interventions provided relief aid to those affected which included food, clothes, shelters, reconstructing livelihoods, psychosocial support, prayers and homilies, lobbying and advocacy, and peacebuilding initiatives. The interventions derived motivation from Christianity's teachings on love, interethnic relations, peace, conflict resolutions, and God's overall plan for humankind. Inadequate support to some members of the clergy who were providing the interventions, lack of cooperation among the members of the clergy, and interruptions by the political environment posed some difficulties to Christian based interventions. Other difficulties include prevalent mistrust, suspicion, inadequate financial resources, and skills among some Christian leaders on how to respond to the interethnic conflict.Christian based interventions are valuable in the future relations of ethnic communities residing in Njoro Sub-county. Such emanates from the significant influence of Christianity in the Sub-county. About 94% of the population within Nakuru County where Njoro Sub-county is located professes Christian faith, providing a valuable avenue to articulate and implement Christian based interventions to mitigate the effects and resolve the interethnic conflict. To enhance the effectiveness of the Christian based interventions, Christianity will need to win the trust and confidence of the divided ethnic communities. Such will require those involved in providing the interventions to be committed to demonstrating the equality of different ethnic communities residing in the Sub-county. Peace and reconciliation between communities will need to be designed as a continuous process and not a short-term exercise during violent periods. It will be crucial to build the capacity of Christian-based institutions and their respective leadership to enhance effectiveness. More research on how interethnic conflict has affected people's trust in Christian teachings and Christian leadership in the Sub-county is needed. Investigations of probable contributions by individuals who refer to themselves as Christian "prophets" and "prophetesses" to the conflict in the region would valuable. The effects of the ethnic constitution of denominations and churches on the integration of ethnic communities and the psychosocial well-being of the affected individuals and communities would require further research.