Ethnicity as a Kamaliza (exterminator) Politics? Democratization or Demonization in Kenya?

Abstract

Ethnicity is negatively nuanced regarding democratization in Africa. Multiple ethnicities appear to negate the democratization process. This paper complements and enhances the debate on ethnicity in Africa following the works of Ajulu (2002), Karega-Munene (2003), and Berman (2004). In argument for ethnicities role in de-democratization, some scholars look at the outcome of the divide instead of the underlying causal factors. This paper endeavors to contribute on the positive effects of ethnicities in the democratization process. Ethnicity as hypothesized categorizes clusters of people in similar cultures and way of life. Politicians seeking stakes in governments can use the differences in ethnicities to catapult themselves to government. Pitting ethnic group(s) against each other leads to political divides and the subsequent demonization of ethnicity in democratization. Karega-Munene poses four questions, first, whether Kenya can have a government that escapes accusations of nepotism and tribalism. Second, if it is possible given that Kenyans identify with ethnic affiliations first, third… “is ethnicity necessarily bad?” And finally, given that there is strength in diversity why can’t Kenyans not harness that strength instead of using it divisively? The paper adds to the debates of some these questions. In essence, ethnicity in the democratization process can bring forth unrepresented groups in societies hence the formulation of social movements and political parties to gain socio-political space in governance. Demonizing ethnicities creates related conflicts but unveils injustices which leads to a search for justice hence a democratization process.