A recent incident involving a lecturer at Eldoret University has raised concerns about ethnic incitement in Kenya. The lecturer, who was captured on video, told his multi-ethnic class that if they don't vote for the sitting president, they should return to their ancestral homes. He specifically stated that Eldoret is not for tribes that do not support the incumbent president. This statement has sparked fears of a repeat of the ethnic clashes that occurred in the region during a disputed election.
The lecturer's comments are not isolated, as another incident involving a Member of Parliament (MP) Didmus Baraza has also sparked controversy. In a video, MP Baraza appeared to suggest that job applicants from his own community should be prioritized over others, regardless of their qualifications. He stated that if a candidate is from the "right" tribe, they would pass an interview, even if they are not qualified. These comments have been widely criticized and have raised concerns about the impact of ethnic politics on Kenyan society.
The issue of ethnic incitement is a sensitive one in Kenya, given the country's history of ethnic clashes. In the 1990s and early 2000s, Kenya experienced a series of violent ethnic clashes that resulted in the deaths of thousands of people. The clashes were often sparked by disputes over land, resources, and political power. In recent years, there have been concerns that ethnic tensions are rising again, fueled in part by divisive comments from politicians and other public figures.
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has been summoned to investigate MP Baraza's comments. However, critics argue that the commission has been ineffective in addressing ethnic incitement and that its investigations often drag on for years without result. The commission's failure to take swift action has been criticized, with some arguing that it is not taking the issue of ethnic incitement seriously enough.
The issue of ethnic incitement is not limited to politicians, as educators and other public figures have also been accused of making divisive comments. The lecturer at Eldoret University has not been disciplined, and it is unclear what action will be taken against him. The incident has raised concerns about the role of educators in promoting ethnic tolerance and the need for greater accountability.
Kenya has a number of institutions that are supposed to promote national cohesion and integration, including the NCIC and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights. However, these institutions have been criticized for being ineffective and for failing to take swift action against those who engage in ethnic incitement. There are concerns that the country's institutions are not doing enough to address the issue.
The Kenyan government has a responsibility to promote national cohesion and to prevent ethnic incitement. The government must take action to address the issue and to promote a culture of tolerance and respect for diversity. This will require a sustained effort to promote national cohesion and to address the underlying causes of ethnic tensions.
Key points
- The lecturer's comments have sparked fears of a repeat of the ethnic clashes that occurred in the region during a disputed election.
- MP Baraza's comments have been widely criticized and have raised concerns about the impact of ethnic politics on Kenyan society.
- The National Cohesion and Integration Commission has been summoned to investigate MP Baraza's comments, but critics argue that the commission has been ineffective in addressing ethnic incitement.
