Factors Contributing to the Ethnic Conflicts among the Residents of Kipchimchim Parish in Kenya

Abstract

The study sought to find out the causes that provoke ethnic conflict in the area of Kipchimchim, Kenya apart from other areas which experience ethnic conflict mostly after every five years during and after election. The paradox is that, conflict occurs in places that are known to be Christian stronghold. True Christians are expected to be Christ like in their way of life. They are supposed to be gentle, loving, kind, understanding, patient, generous and not self-centered, being mindful of others and peace makers just to mention but a few. The target population of this research was all the Christians of Kipchimchim Parish with a population of 2,106 people. Stratified random sampling was used because of its accuracy in representing the population. A sample of 200 respondents was selected for data collection through questionnaire, and 12 respondents by interview, one leader from every center, which made the total of nine leaders, then the Parish Priest, the local superior of the sisters and the representative of the catechists. All these 12 respondents were interviewed personally. The sample of at least 200 respondents in this research is approximately 10% of the total population. The study identifies election disputes and land disputes as the major cause of ethnic conflicts within the jurisdiction of Kipchimchim parish. Other causes of ethnic conflicts were cattle rustling, political profiling and the killing of the area Member of Parliament. The study recommends that individuals, communities, NGO's, FBOs, CBOs, National and County governments should come together and end this menace. Effective legal frameworks need also to be implemented without involving corruption in various mainstreams.