Analysis of Interethnic Conflicts and Peace Building between 1992 And 2010 In Molo District, Kenya

Abstract

There have been recurring violent inter-ethnic conflicts in Molo District every five years since the dawn of multiparty democracy in Kenya in 1991. The need for peace in Molo region of Kenya has been recognised in various Church Reports especially in the Catholic Justice and Peace Commission of the Catholic Diocese of Nakuru (CDN). The CDN started the Programme of Peace Building in Molo District to assist people from different communities appreciate their roles in human development and develop positive attitudes towards peaceful co-existence and harmonious living. In spite of this, inter-ethnic conflicts have persisted in the District, especially during general elections. The specific objectives of the study were to establish the genesis of interethnic conflicts in Molo District 1992 and to examine the role of the CDN in peace building and conflict resolution in the area. The study relied on qualitative research design and used purposive sampling procedure to identify a sample of 105 respondents who were among the beneficiaries of the resettlement programme in the District. These included priests and leaders of the CJPC from both Diocesan and Parish levels. The study was informed by the theory of functionalism which explains the structures of the society and thus used the symbol of ‘brotherhood’ to explore the role of the CDN in peace building. The study focused on the strategies used by the Catholic Church and their effectiveness in dealing with peace building challenges. The key findings of the study are that the interethnic conflicts in Molo District are mainly caused by among others factors: politically representation, land and other economic activities. Furthermore, the study established that the CDN is playing the role of peace building in the District by empowering people economically and emphasising on equality of all