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The role of ethnicity in Kenyan politics. By Thomas Musau Kenya goes to the polls on August 8. As in previous elections, the role played by ethnicity and tribalism are likely to decide the election. Experts say politicians beat the drums while their tribesmen and women dance to the tune. Kenyan politics have been characterized by ethnic tensions since independence in 1963. But it was not until 2008 that the demons of tribalism finally flared up after the hotly disputed elections which left over a thousand people dead and thousands displaced. The clashes mainly between the larger ethnic tribes, the Kikuyus, Luos and Kalenjins, erupted after Mwai Kibaki from the Kikuyu community was declared the winner amidst accusations of rigging and electoral manipulation. Ethnicity parse has never been the problem. The problem arises when politicians use ethnicity for their personal gain, and create a divide which fuels an appeal and loyalty to the tribe- often over country. Historically in the traditional societies, the issue of belonging to a tribe was not a big issue until and during the fight for independence. Tribalism in Kenya dates back to the colonial era. From 1920 to 1963, Kenya was under the rule of the British who used the divide and rule tactic to govern. For years they played one side off against another, in particular the Kikuyus and Luos whom they considered a threat owing to their numerical superiorities. The first two political parties before and during independence Kenya - the Kenya Africa National Union (KANU) and the Kenyan African Democratic Union (KADU) set off the current tribal politics in the country. KANU was a Kikuyu and Luo alliance party; while KADU was comprised of other small tribes who feared the domination by KANU. KADU was founded by Daniel Arap Moi, a Kalenjin from Rift valley and others. President Jomo Kenyatta (father of the incumbent president Uhuru Kenyatta) was accused of sidelining the Luos, in particular Jaramongi Odinga (father of current opposition leader Raila Odinga) in favour of Moi, who succeeded him in 1978 as the second president of Kenya. During his time in office until 2002, Moi was accused of entrenching and perpetuating tribalism and the politics A second commission, the National of divide and rule. His presidency was Cohesion and Integration Commission, also marked by deadly tribal animosities. is still working on ending the enduring The major outbreak was in 1992 with divisions between Kenyans. In its view, the Molo clashes in the vast Rift valley the solution is to address economic region which left 5,000 people dead and equality and opportunities for all, another 75,000 displaced. The conflict regardless of tribal affiliations. was primarily between the Kalenjin It’s well documented that the and the Kikuyu communities with land appointments in government, ownership cited as one of the key parastatals and other government reasons behind the tragic conflict. bodies reflect a deliberate effort to Though regional conflict among tribes favour certain ethnic lines-depending was still in existence, it was not until on who is in power. Since independence, the advent of multi-party politics in leaders often fill the civil service and 1992 that it really became evident- and state-owned institutions with members ultimately flared up into violence and of their ethnic group, and those from death. ethnic communities viewed as being Major parties were already divided supportive of the ruling regime. along tribal lines. For example, the The cabinets of presidents Jomo Forum for the Restoration of Democracy Kenyatta, Daniel Moi, and Mwai Kibaki (FORD-Kenya) was associated with the all had a disproportionate number of Luhya tribe, the Democratic Party with members from their respective tribes. the Kikuyu, the Labour Democratic Party Tribalism is to blame for many of the ills with the Luo, while the Kalenjin tribe in our country today such as corruption, largely supported KANU. Today, voting ethnic clashes and underdevelopment. in Kenya whether parliamentary, civic To end this people must be given jobs or presidential, is done almost entirely based purely on merit- their skills along tribal lines. and training, not tribal lineage. Many In the political sphere, leaders appeal political observers are now warning to people of their own tribes when that Kenya is on the wrong track in they want support. They also use their the run-up to the 2017 elections. tribes as leverage when they bargain for Political alliances based on tribes positions and favours from government. have dominated Kenya’s politics since The ‘big five’ tribes have influenced who independence. As in the past, political is elected, owing to their numerical alliances have been made along ethnic advantage. According to Kenya’s lines. The Jubilee alliance of President National Bureau of Statistics, the largest Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William ethnic groups are the Kikuyu, the Luhya, Ruto is overwhelmingly backed by the the Kalenjin, the Luo and the Kamba. At Kikuyus and the Kalenjins. present, the majority of Luos support The opposition National Alliance (NASA) opposition leader Raila Odinga, the is no different. It is a union of tribes led Kambas are behind Kalonzo Musyoka. by Raila Odinga (a Luo from Nyanza), The Kalenjins back Deputy President Moses Wetangula and Moses Mudavadi William Ruto, while the Kikuyus support (Both Luhyas from western Kenya) and President Uhuru Kenyatta. Kalonzo Musyoka from the Kamba tribe The political elite are known to play of eastern Kenya. the ethnic divide game to get elected Mass registration drive rallies have as they know that elections are never been ethnically politicized. Politicians based on issues, ideologies or principles. returning to their backyard for campaign Attempts to slay the dragon of tribalism rallies have no clear agendas other than in Kenya have not borne much fruit. playing the usual tribal cards. Commissions have been formed, songs The tribal card is being played behind composed, and wars fought. The Truth, the scenes. It’s not being amplified Justice and Reconciliation Commission as such but politicians are harping on was formed in 2008 after the 2007 tribal arithmetic to gain control and post-election violence. The commission get political mileage-and ultimately be concluded that ethnic conflicts mainly elected. Such is the tragedy of our tribal stem from land inequality and regional politics. 3RD EDITION | JULY 2018 imbalances in wealth distribution. 77
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