Ethnic Politics in Kenya and Nigeria

Ethnic Politics in Kenya and Nigeria

Author: Godfrey Mwakikagile

Publisher: Nova Publishers

Published: 2001

Total Pages: 252

ISBN-13: 9781560729679

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This book is more than just a study of ethnic politics in Kenya and Nigeria. The two countries are a microcosm of the entire continent: the problems it faces, its successes and failures, and the hope and despair of hundreds of millions of its people whose aspirations have been frustrated by decades of corrupt leadership that has skilfully exploited one of Africa's biggest weaknesses -- tribalism. But the people themselves are also responsible for that. They have allowed tribalism to flourish and destroy the countries. And they have allowed unscrupulous politicians to use and abuse them -- without storming the Bastille. What they are not responsible for is dictatorship African leaders instituted to perpetuate themselves in office by exploiting tribalism. These despots have been so good at it, and have done it for so long since independence, that many African countries are now on the brink of collapse, with the people at war against themselves.


Book Synopsis Ethnic Politics in Kenya and Nigeria by : Godfrey Mwakikagile

Download or read book Ethnic Politics in Kenya and Nigeria written by Godfrey Mwakikagile and published by Nova Publishers. This book was released on 2001 with total page 252 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book is more than just a study of ethnic politics in Kenya and Nigeria. The two countries are a microcosm of the entire continent: the problems it faces, its successes and failures, and the hope and despair of hundreds of millions of its people whose aspirations have been frustrated by decades of corrupt leadership that has skilfully exploited one of Africa's biggest weaknesses -- tribalism. But the people themselves are also responsible for that. They have allowed tribalism to flourish and destroy the countries. And they have allowed unscrupulous politicians to use and abuse them -- without storming the Bastille. What they are not responsible for is dictatorship African leaders instituted to perpetuate themselves in office by exploiting tribalism. These despots have been so good at it, and have done it for so long since independence, that many African countries are now on the brink of collapse, with the people at war against themselves.


Politicized Ethnicity

Politicized Ethnicity

Author: Anke Weber

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2016-04-29

Total Pages: 196

ISBN-13: 113734945X

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This book offers a rigorous comparative historical analysis of Kenya, Tanzania, Bolivia, Peru, and the United States to demonstrate how colonial administrative rule, access to resources, nation building and language policies, as well as political entrepreneurs contribute to the politicization of ethnicity.


Book Synopsis Politicized Ethnicity by : Anke Weber

Download or read book Politicized Ethnicity written by Anke Weber and published by Springer. This book was released on 2016-04-29 with total page 196 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book offers a rigorous comparative historical analysis of Kenya, Tanzania, Bolivia, Peru, and the United States to demonstrate how colonial administrative rule, access to resources, nation building and language policies, as well as political entrepreneurs contribute to the politicization of ethnicity.


Media, Ethnicity, and Electoral Conflicts in Kenya

Media, Ethnicity, and Electoral Conflicts in Kenya

Author: Jacinta Mwende Maweu

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Published: 2022-03-07

Total Pages: 129

ISBN-13: 1793612366

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Media, Ethnicity, and Electoral Conflicts in Kenya critically examines the interplay between the media, ethnicity, and electoral conflicts in Kenya. Jacinta Mwende Maweu analyzes the place of ethnicity in Kenyan politics and the key drivers of electoral conflicts, as well as how ethnicity influences media framing of these conflicts in the Kenyan context. Maweu argues that, although there are many factors that can affect an electoral process and result in conflict and violence, the role that the mainstream media and new media play is central. As Maweu illustrates through various arguments, politicians in Kenya and other deeply divided societies in Africa have continued to use mainstream and digital media to weaponize ethnicity as they invoke issues of belonging, inclusion, and exclusion. By examining the role of both traditional and digital media in electoral conflicts, Media, Ethnicity, and Electoral Conflicts in Kenya makes a significant contribution to the ongoing academic debate on the role of media in elections and electoral conflicts in Kenya and Africa.


Book Synopsis Media, Ethnicity, and Electoral Conflicts in Kenya by : Jacinta Mwende Maweu

Download or read book Media, Ethnicity, and Electoral Conflicts in Kenya written by Jacinta Mwende Maweu and published by Rowman & Littlefield. This book was released on 2022-03-07 with total page 129 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Media, Ethnicity, and Electoral Conflicts in Kenya critically examines the interplay between the media, ethnicity, and electoral conflicts in Kenya. Jacinta Mwende Maweu analyzes the place of ethnicity in Kenyan politics and the key drivers of electoral conflicts, as well as how ethnicity influences media framing of these conflicts in the Kenyan context. Maweu argues that, although there are many factors that can affect an electoral process and result in conflict and violence, the role that the mainstream media and new media play is central. As Maweu illustrates through various arguments, politicians in Kenya and other deeply divided societies in Africa have continued to use mainstream and digital media to weaponize ethnicity as they invoke issues of belonging, inclusion, and exclusion. By examining the role of both traditional and digital media in electoral conflicts, Media, Ethnicity, and Electoral Conflicts in Kenya makes a significant contribution to the ongoing academic debate on the role of media in elections and electoral conflicts in Kenya and Africa.


Electoral Competition and Politicised Ethnicity in Kenya

Electoral Competition and Politicised Ethnicity in Kenya

Author: Abdikadir Askar

Publisher: GRIN Verlag

Published: 2018-06-28

Total Pages: 12

ISBN-13: 366873805X

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Essay from the year 2017 in the subject Politics - International Politics - Topic: Peace and Conflict Studies, Security, grade: A, The University of York, language: English, abstract: Based on the instrumentalist theory of ethnic conflict, the paper examines into the theoretical understanding of how the electoral competition triggers the politicization of ethnicity and ethicized conflict in Kenya. The paper critically interrogates how the Kenyan political elites have used ethnicity as a tool to mobilize their ethnic groups promising to create political and socio-economic opportunities for them at the expense of neglecting the other tribes. Furthermore, the paper scrutinizes the trajectory of politics since 1963 up until 2007 post-election crisis and how the politicization of ethnicity created a sense of mistrust and national division among the diverse ethnic communities in Kenya. Keyword: Electoral Competition, Politicisation of Ethnicity, Kenya


Book Synopsis Electoral Competition and Politicised Ethnicity in Kenya by : Abdikadir Askar

Download or read book Electoral Competition and Politicised Ethnicity in Kenya written by Abdikadir Askar and published by GRIN Verlag. This book was released on 2018-06-28 with total page 12 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Essay from the year 2017 in the subject Politics - International Politics - Topic: Peace and Conflict Studies, Security, grade: A, The University of York, language: English, abstract: Based on the instrumentalist theory of ethnic conflict, the paper examines into the theoretical understanding of how the electoral competition triggers the politicization of ethnicity and ethicized conflict in Kenya. The paper critically interrogates how the Kenyan political elites have used ethnicity as a tool to mobilize their ethnic groups promising to create political and socio-economic opportunities for them at the expense of neglecting the other tribes. Furthermore, the paper scrutinizes the trajectory of politics since 1963 up until 2007 post-election crisis and how the politicization of ethnicity created a sense of mistrust and national division among the diverse ethnic communities in Kenya. Keyword: Electoral Competition, Politicisation of Ethnicity, Kenya


Ethno politics in Kenya. What can be done to transform ethnic conflicts in Kenya?

Ethno politics in Kenya. What can be done to transform ethnic conflicts in Kenya?

Author: Nangira Namano

Publisher: GRIN Verlag

Published: 2017-08-21

Total Pages: 21

ISBN-13: 366850704X

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Seminar paper from the year 2016 in the subject Communications - Media and Politics, Politic Communications, grade: A, University of Nairobi (Institute of Diplomacy and International Studies), course: MA International Conflict Management, language: English, abstract: The rising Ethnic politics in Kenya have been in the rise are instigated by politicians as was the case in the PEV 2008. These conflicts tend to transcend the state borders to regional and international levels thus the involvement in resolution by the external bodies like the UN, AU, EAC, IGAD among others. These negotiations and mediations may seek to understand the underlying issues, dynamics and effects experienced in the conflicts. This essay will thus seek to address the social, economic, political, religion and security as mobilizing factors of ethno politics, the consequences, and challenges of the 2008/9 post- election violence and how to transform ethnic conflicts in Kenya. The problems resulting from the 2008/9 PEV are highlighted as well as proposals with regard to institutional, legislative, social policies and reforms to better handle the necessary transformation. The theory of ethnicity is based on primordial and instrumentalist approaches. Kenya witnessed ethnicity and political conflicts in 1992, 1997/8, 2007/8, all of which came after the coming of multi-party politics, which exacerbated ethnic competition for power and resources. Domestic conflicts are believed to ‘‘involve deep issues of ethnic and cultural identity, of recognition, and of participation that are usually denied to ethnic minorities, in addition to other values that are not negotiable.’’ Compromise is more difficult under these conditions because groups often cannot find common ground. Kenyan politics is strongly divided along ethnic lines. Parties are found to draw their support from distinct and separated ethnic groups. President Kibaki’s Party of National Unity (PNU) was mainly supported by the Kikuyu, Embu and Meru ethnic group. The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), which combined several opposition groups headed by Raila Odinga, was supported by Luo, Luhya and Kalenjin ethnic group. As a consequence, more Kenyans value ethnicity above political ideology and policy. The perception that the party offers the best hope for a person within the ‘ascribed’ tribe to assume power and consequently share state resources with tribal members. The result of this view has historically been tribalism or prejudice across tribes, and favoritism within the tribe. An analysis of the 2007 general election in Kenya describes the voting pattern as a mere ‘ethnic census’


Book Synopsis Ethno politics in Kenya. What can be done to transform ethnic conflicts in Kenya? by : Nangira Namano

Download or read book Ethno politics in Kenya. What can be done to transform ethnic conflicts in Kenya? written by Nangira Namano and published by GRIN Verlag. This book was released on 2017-08-21 with total page 21 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Seminar paper from the year 2016 in the subject Communications - Media and Politics, Politic Communications, grade: A, University of Nairobi (Institute of Diplomacy and International Studies), course: MA International Conflict Management, language: English, abstract: The rising Ethnic politics in Kenya have been in the rise are instigated by politicians as was the case in the PEV 2008. These conflicts tend to transcend the state borders to regional and international levels thus the involvement in resolution by the external bodies like the UN, AU, EAC, IGAD among others. These negotiations and mediations may seek to understand the underlying issues, dynamics and effects experienced in the conflicts. This essay will thus seek to address the social, economic, political, religion and security as mobilizing factors of ethno politics, the consequences, and challenges of the 2008/9 post- election violence and how to transform ethnic conflicts in Kenya. The problems resulting from the 2008/9 PEV are highlighted as well as proposals with regard to institutional, legislative, social policies and reforms to better handle the necessary transformation. The theory of ethnicity is based on primordial and instrumentalist approaches. Kenya witnessed ethnicity and political conflicts in 1992, 1997/8, 2007/8, all of which came after the coming of multi-party politics, which exacerbated ethnic competition for power and resources. Domestic conflicts are believed to ‘‘involve deep issues of ethnic and cultural identity, of recognition, and of participation that are usually denied to ethnic minorities, in addition to other values that are not negotiable.’’ Compromise is more difficult under these conditions because groups often cannot find common ground. Kenyan politics is strongly divided along ethnic lines. Parties are found to draw their support from distinct and separated ethnic groups. President Kibaki’s Party of National Unity (PNU) was mainly supported by the Kikuyu, Embu and Meru ethnic group. The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), which combined several opposition groups headed by Raila Odinga, was supported by Luo, Luhya and Kalenjin ethnic group. As a consequence, more Kenyans value ethnicity above political ideology and policy. The perception that the party offers the best hope for a person within the ‘ascribed’ tribe to assume power and consequently share state resources with tribal members. The result of this view has historically been tribalism or prejudice across tribes, and favoritism within the tribe. An analysis of the 2007 general election in Kenya describes the voting pattern as a mere ‘ethnic census’


Ethnicity and Politicization in Kenya

Ethnicity and Politicization in Kenya

Author: Japhet Biegon

Publisher:

Published: 2018

Total Pages: 126

ISBN-13: 9789966100399

DOWNLOAD EBOOK


Book Synopsis Ethnicity and Politicization in Kenya by : Japhet Biegon

Download or read book Ethnicity and Politicization in Kenya written by Japhet Biegon and published by . This book was released on 2018 with total page 126 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:


I Say to You

I Say to You

Author: Gabrielle Lynch

Publisher: University of Chicago Press

Published: 2011-09-26

Total Pages: 312

ISBN-13: 0226498093

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

In 2007 a disputed election in Kenya erupted into a two-month political crisis that led to the deaths of more than a thousand people and the displacement of almost seven hundred thousand. Much of the violence fell along ethnic lines, the principal perpetrators of which were the Kalenjin, who lashed out at other communities in the Rift Valley. What makes this episode remarkable compared to many other instances of ethnic violence is that the Kalenjin community is a recent construct: the group has only existed since the mid-twentieth century. Drawing on rich archival research and vivid oral testimony, I Say to You is a timely analysis of the creation, development, political relevance, and popular appeal of the Kalenjin identity as well as its violent potential. Uncovering the Kalenjin’s roots, Gabrielle Lynch examines the ways in which ethnic groups are socially constructed and renegotiated over time. She demonstrates how historical narratives of collective achievement, migration, injustice, and persecution constantly evolve. As a consequence, ethnic identities help politicians mobilize support and help ordinary people lay claim to space, power, and wealth. This kind of ethnic politics, Lynch reveals, encourages a sense of ethnic difference and competition, which can spiral into violent confrontation and retribution.


Book Synopsis I Say to You by : Gabrielle Lynch

Download or read book I Say to You written by Gabrielle Lynch and published by University of Chicago Press. This book was released on 2011-09-26 with total page 312 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In 2007 a disputed election in Kenya erupted into a two-month political crisis that led to the deaths of more than a thousand people and the displacement of almost seven hundred thousand. Much of the violence fell along ethnic lines, the principal perpetrators of which were the Kalenjin, who lashed out at other communities in the Rift Valley. What makes this episode remarkable compared to many other instances of ethnic violence is that the Kalenjin community is a recent construct: the group has only existed since the mid-twentieth century. Drawing on rich archival research and vivid oral testimony, I Say to You is a timely analysis of the creation, development, political relevance, and popular appeal of the Kalenjin identity as well as its violent potential. Uncovering the Kalenjin’s roots, Gabrielle Lynch examines the ways in which ethnic groups are socially constructed and renegotiated over time. She demonstrates how historical narratives of collective achievement, migration, injustice, and persecution constantly evolve. As a consequence, ethnic identities help politicians mobilize support and help ordinary people lay claim to space, power, and wealth. This kind of ethnic politics, Lynch reveals, encourages a sense of ethnic difference and competition, which can spiral into violent confrontation and retribution.


In Pursuit of Ethnic Politics

In Pursuit of Ethnic Politics

Author: Karolina Hulterström

Publisher: Uppsala Universitet

Published: 2004

Total Pages: 292

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

"This is a Ph.D. thesis. Most instances of politicized ethnicity are non-violent rather than violent. Yet, scholarly attention has primarily been directed at explaining violent ethnic conflict. This study is an attempt to remedy this theoretical void. It seeks to answer the question what non-violent ethnic politics actually represents. The first part of the book is a pursuit of tools that make possible better description of non-violent ethnic politics. The combination of several manifestations of ethnic politics, relating both to the participatory and policy dimensions of politics, is essential for such an endeavor. The subsequent empirical study is devoted to describing and comparing the Kenyan and Zambian polities during the 1990s. Politics in Kenya was highly influenced by ethnic concerns. Voters, parties and policies could all be distinctly placed along an ethnic cleavage. The image of Zambian politics is more ambiguous. Voting did, to a limited extent, seem to reflect an ethnic conflict line. Somewhat surprisingly, parties were on the other hand not structured by ethnicity. Government policies showed few objective signs of any ethnic inclination, but were despite this empirical study increasingly perceived in terms of ethnic bias by Zambian observers. The empirical study clearly confirms the need to not focus on merely one but several aspects of politics to assess accurately the extent of ethnic politics in any given society."


Book Synopsis In Pursuit of Ethnic Politics by : Karolina Hulterström

Download or read book In Pursuit of Ethnic Politics written by Karolina Hulterström and published by Uppsala Universitet. This book was released on 2004 with total page 292 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "This is a Ph.D. thesis. Most instances of politicized ethnicity are non-violent rather than violent. Yet, scholarly attention has primarily been directed at explaining violent ethnic conflict. This study is an attempt to remedy this theoretical void. It seeks to answer the question what non-violent ethnic politics actually represents. The first part of the book is a pursuit of tools that make possible better description of non-violent ethnic politics. The combination of several manifestations of ethnic politics, relating both to the participatory and policy dimensions of politics, is essential for such an endeavor. The subsequent empirical study is devoted to describing and comparing the Kenyan and Zambian polities during the 1990s. Politics in Kenya was highly influenced by ethnic concerns. Voters, parties and policies could all be distinctly placed along an ethnic cleavage. The image of Zambian politics is more ambiguous. Voting did, to a limited extent, seem to reflect an ethnic conflict line. Somewhat surprisingly, parties were on the other hand not structured by ethnicity. Government policies showed few objective signs of any ethnic inclination, but were despite this empirical study increasingly perceived in terms of ethnic bias by Zambian observers. The empirical study clearly confirms the need to not focus on merely one but several aspects of politics to assess accurately the extent of ethnic politics in any given society."


Ethnicity, Democracy and Citizenship in Africa

Ethnicity, Democracy and Citizenship in Africa

Author: Samantha Balaton-Chrimes

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2016-03-09

Total Pages: 203

ISBN-13: 131714080X

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

As an ethnic minority the Nubians of Kenya are struggling for equal citizenship by asserting themselves as indigenous and autochthonous to Kibera, one of Nairobi’s most notorious slums. Having settled there after being brought by the British colonial authorities from Sudan as soldiers, this appears a peculiar claim to make. It is a claim that illuminates the hierarchical nature of Kenya’s ethnicised citizenship regime and the multi-faceted nature of citizenship itself. This book explores two kinds of citizenship deficits; those experienced by the Nubians in Kenya and, more centrally, those which represent the limits of citizenship theories. The author argues for an understanding of citizenship as made up of multiple component parts: status, rights and membership, which are often disaggregated through time, across geographic spaces and amongst different people. This departure from a unitary language of citizenship allows a novel analysis of the central role of ethnicity in the recognition of political membership and distribution of political goods in Kenya. Such an analysis generates important insights into the risks and possibilities of a relationship between ethnicity and democracy that is of broad, global relevance.


Book Synopsis Ethnicity, Democracy and Citizenship in Africa by : Samantha Balaton-Chrimes

Download or read book Ethnicity, Democracy and Citizenship in Africa written by Samantha Balaton-Chrimes and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2016-03-09 with total page 203 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: As an ethnic minority the Nubians of Kenya are struggling for equal citizenship by asserting themselves as indigenous and autochthonous to Kibera, one of Nairobi’s most notorious slums. Having settled there after being brought by the British colonial authorities from Sudan as soldiers, this appears a peculiar claim to make. It is a claim that illuminates the hierarchical nature of Kenya’s ethnicised citizenship regime and the multi-faceted nature of citizenship itself. This book explores two kinds of citizenship deficits; those experienced by the Nubians in Kenya and, more centrally, those which represent the limits of citizenship theories. The author argues for an understanding of citizenship as made up of multiple component parts: status, rights and membership, which are often disaggregated through time, across geographic spaces and amongst different people. This departure from a unitary language of citizenship allows a novel analysis of the central role of ethnicity in the recognition of political membership and distribution of political goods in Kenya. Such an analysis generates important insights into the risks and possibilities of a relationship between ethnicity and democracy that is of broad, global relevance.


Political Power and Tribalism in Kenya

Political Power and Tribalism in Kenya

Author: Westen K. Shilaho

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2017-10-02

Total Pages: 186

ISBN-13: 3319652958

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This book discusses Kenya’s transition from authoritarianism to more democratic forms of politics and its impact on Kenya’s multi-ethnic society. The author examines two significant questions: Why and how is ethnicity salient in Kenya’s transition from one-party rule to multiparty politics? What is the relationship between ethnic conflict and political liberalization? The project explains the perennial issues of political disorganization through state violence and ethnicization of politics, and considers the significance of the concept of justice in Kenya.


Book Synopsis Political Power and Tribalism in Kenya by : Westen K. Shilaho

Download or read book Political Power and Tribalism in Kenya written by Westen K. Shilaho and published by Springer. This book was released on 2017-10-02 with total page 186 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book discusses Kenya’s transition from authoritarianism to more democratic forms of politics and its impact on Kenya’s multi-ethnic society. The author examines two significant questions: Why and how is ethnicity salient in Kenya’s transition from one-party rule to multiparty politics? What is the relationship between ethnic conflict and political liberalization? The project explains the perennial issues of political disorganization through state violence and ethnicization of politics, and considers the significance of the concept of justice in Kenya.