THE INTERPLAY BETWEEN HORIZONTAL INEQUALITIES AND INTRACTABLE ETHNIC CONFLICTS IN UASIN GISHU COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

One important hypothesis concerning the causes of violent conflict focuses on the presence of major horizontal inequalities. This argument is based on the notion that when cultural differences coincide with economic and political among among groups, can cause deep resentment that may lead to violent struggles. Uasin Gishu County has been the epicentre of violent conflicts in post-colonial Kenya with ethnic communities in the area living in fear of violence especially during political seasons. Beyond the superficial differences between the ethnicities in Uasin Gishu County, there are deep-rooted horizontal inequalities which have not received the attention they deserve in explaining the intractable conflicts, hence the current study. The overall objective of the study was to critically interrogate the contribution of horizontal inequalities towards intractable ethnic conflicts in Uasin Gishu County in Post-Colonial Kenya. The specific objectives were to: Examine the nature of horizontal inequalities in Uasin Gishu County in Post-Colonial Kenya, Analyse the nexus between horizontal inequalities and intractable ethnic conflicts in Uasin Gishu County in Post-Colonial Kenya. Assess the challenges and Opportunities in managing horizontal inequalities in Uasin Gishu County in Post-Colonial Kenya.The study was anchored on a conceptual framework underpinned by three theories namely: Relative deprivation theory, primordialism Ethnic Conflict theory and Conflict Transformation theory.The study was conducted in Uasin Gishu County. The study targeted the following categories of the study population in Uasin Gishu County; Household heads, County Secretary, County Commisioner, CDF officials, Chiefs, Religious leaders, civil society organizations, local political leaders (MCAs), security personnel (senior Police officers) and opinion leaders. The total sample size for the study was 457. The study employed both probability and non-probability sampling techniques. The study adopted primary and secondary methods of data collection. Primary data was collected through Questionnaires, interviews and FGDs. Quantitative data was analysed using SPSS version 25 software to obtain descriptive statistics particularly frequencies and percentages as well as inferential statistics including Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMCC). Qualitative data was analyzed using thematic techniques to support quantitative data. Quantitative data was presented using tables, graphs, and charts while qualitative data was presented inform of narrative reports and verbatim quotations. The findings revealed that horizontal inequalities were manifested socially, politically, economically and culturally. Regarding economic inequalities, the findings revealed that was there was a statistically significant bivariate association between asset ownership and ethnic conflicts (r=.143**, p= 0.005) and ownership of land and ethnic conflicts (r= 126*, p= 0.015). In reference to political horizontal inequalities, the findings indicated that there was a statistically significant bivariate association between Ethnic Patronage and ethnic conflicts (r= 265**, p= .000.) and in reference to cultural status inequalities there was a statistically significant bivariate association betweenh with ethnic conflicts (r=.136**, p=.009). The overall conclusion of the study is that horizontal inequalities have played a significant role towards intractable ethnic conflicts in Uasin Gishu County in Post-colonial Kenya.