UTILIZATION OF CULTURE IN PEACE-BUILDING AMONG THE POKOT AND MARAKWET COMMUNITIES OF ELGEYO MARAKWET AND BARINGO COUNTIES, KENYA

Abstract

Sustaining peace is essential for the advancement of any nation or region, and it also fosters cohesion among individuals from various cultural and religious backgrounds. Cultural practices and festivals, while sometimes contributing to conflicts, also hold significant potential as tools for peace-building among the Pokot and Marakwet communities. The persistent conflict between these communities has resulted in loss of life, displacement, and trauma, and traditional response by security agencies alone has proven insufficient in addressing the root causes of the conflict. Therefore, there is a compelling need to explore the role of cultural practices and festivals in contributing to and managing these conflicts, with the aim of fostering lasting peace at the grassroots level. The general objective of this study was to examine the utilization of cultural practices and festivals in peace-building among the Pokot and Marakwet communities of Elgeyo Marakwet and Baringo counties in Kenya. The specific objectives were to interrogate the nature of cultural practices and festivals among the Pokot and Marakwet, Kenya; Assess the effectiveness of cultural Practices and Festivals as Peacebuilding Mechanisms among the Pokot and Marakwet; and Examine the challenges and opportunities faced in using cultural practices and Festivals as Peacebuilding strategy. Research questions complement the research objectives. The study had both policy and academic justifications. The study was anchored on a theoretical framework guided by the principles of Conflict Transformation Theory. The research employed a descriptive research design. The study was conducted in Tiaty Sub-County of Baringo County and Marakwet East Sub-County of Elgeyo Marakwet County, both found within the volatile Kerio Valley region. Senior police officers (Sub-County Police Commander), Assistant County commissioners, sub-county administrators, MCAs, Religious leaders and Chiefs. Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), including Faith-Based Organizations with study specifically targeting World Vision Kenya (WVK), Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) and the Catholic Justice and Peace Commission. The population also included opinion leaders such as elders and peace committee members. Moreover, the study involved selecting a sample comprising 384 individuals who were heads of households. Data collection was conducted through questionnaires, interview schedules, and focus group discussions, supplemented by the use of secondary data sources. The quantitative data were analyzed using Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS) version 25, producing descriptive statistics represented as percentages and frequencies. Meanwhile, the qualitative data underwent content and narrative analysis. The quantitative findings were presented through tables, charts, and graphs. The findings indicated that several prevalent cultural practices in the study area included oath-taking rituals (muma) 66.5% of respondents), witchcraft, also known as (Muma/Mutaat)(87.3%), cleansing ceremonies (Barpara) (77%) of respondents, and consulting traditional seers through methods like throwing shoes or viewing sheep intestines (91.1% o). Furthermore, the research revealed that these cultural activities were effective in contributing to peace-building efforts, with practices like marriage (77.94%), oath-taking (58.8%), respect for elders (69.1%), negotiations (86.8%), traditional pacts (97.1%), and the traditional role of women as mothers (73.5%) all playing a positive role in promoting peace. However, various conflicts were exacerbated by factors such as banditry (75.4%) and the ready availability of small arms and light weapons (97.1%). Despite these challenges, peace-building initiatives led by religious leaders and faith-based organizations have yielded positive results, even in the face of issues like banditry, low levels of literacy, and limited educational attainment. In conclusion, the study underscores the critical role of cultural practices and festivals in the peace-building process between the Pokot and Marakwet communities. As a recommendation, the study advocates for the formal adoption and utilization of these cultural practices and festivities as strategic tools for promoting peace in Kerio Valley.