AN ASSESSMENT ON THE ROLE OF CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS IN MITIGATING THE 2024 POLITICAL UNREST IN KENYA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

Political instability in Kenya is not a new phenomenon; the nation has a long history of election violence, political conflict, and civil unrest that has greatly influenced its socio-political environment. The origins of these wars often stem from ethnic differences, struggle for resources, and disputed governmental authority. An egregious example of political turmoil unfolded in the aftermath of the 2007 presidential elections, leading to extensive bloodshed, with a death toll exceeding 1,000 and causing the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people (Human Rights Watch, 2008). The 2007-2008 post-election violence in Kenya served as a pivotal moment, exposing the entrenched ethnic tensions and the vulnerability of its democratic institutions. Civil society organisations (CSOs) played a crucial role in rebuilding and fostering reconciliation among the warring groups in reaction to the 2007-2008 crisis. The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) and the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) played a crucial role in promoting dialogue and offering humanitarian aid to the affected communities (Mutua, 2008). Their efforts played a crucial role in the final endorsement of the National Accord and Reconciliation Agreement, which resulted in the establishment of a coalition government and the restoration of political stability. In 2024, Kenya is once again experiencing political turmoil. The present unrest stems from a variety of factors, including as accusations of election manipulation, discontent with government measures, and ongoing socio-economic disparities. The year 2024 has been characterised by extensive demonstrations, acts of aggression, and an increasing feeling of exclusion among different sectors of the society. The turmoil has also resulted in a substantial loss of life, extensive property damage, and a disruption of economic activity, further worsening the already difficult position. 

Civil society organisations are once again leading the way in their attempts to alleviate the turmoil. These entities, including non-governmental organisations (NGOs), community-based organisations (CBOs), faith-based organisations (FBOs), and other grassroots movements, have been actively engaged in peacebuilding, advocacy, and offering assistance to victims of the turmoil. An example of an organisation that has actively recorded instances of human rights breaches and demanded responsibility from the government and other parties engaged in the violence is the Kenya National Commission for Human Rights (KNCHR) (KNCHR, 2024). PeaceNet Kenya and similar organisations have been actively engaged in fostering discussion and reconciliation amongst the parties involved in the conflict. Nevertheless, the current crisis is presenting an unprecedented challenge to the work of civil society organisations. Although these organisations have a track record of aiding in the settlement of conflicts in Kenya, the intricate nature and magnitude of the 2024 turmoil provide novel obstacles. Doubts emerge over the efficacy of their tactics, their aptitude for rallying resources, and their power to sway both the government and the public. Moreover, the political landscape in Kenya has undergone changes, as there are now greater limitations imposed on the operations of civil society. This has led to worries about the diminishing opportunities for these organisations to function effectively (Amnesty International, 2023). Given the critical role that CSOs play in mitigating conflict and promoting democratic governance, it is essential to examine the role of civil society organizations in mitigating the 2024 political unrest in Kenya.

1.2 Statement of the problem

The political turmoil in Kenya in 2024 has resulted in extensive instability, presenting substantial obstacles to the country's socio-political and economic structure. The disturbance has materialised via demonstrations, acts of aggression, and a deterioration of confidence between the administration and different sectors of the public (Aiyede, 2024). These incidents have not only jeopardised the security and stability of the nation but have also sparked worries over the possibility of enduring harm to Kenya's democratic institutions and economic progress. Civil society organisations (CSOs) have always played a crucial role in cultivating peace, championing human rights, and advancing democratic government in Kenya (Kew, 2018). Nevertheless, it is unclear how helpful these organisations are in alleviating the ongoing political turmoil. Notwithstanding their efforts, the crisis has intensified, indicating possible constraints in their tactics, resources, and sway. Moreover, there is a dearth of complete comprehension of the precise functions these organisations may or should fulfil in such intricate political situations. Hence, this research aims to critically examine the role of civil society organizations in mitigating the 2024 political unrest in Kenya.

1.3 Objective of the study

The broad objective of the study is to assess the role of civil society organizations in mitigating the 2024 political unrest in Kenya. The specific objectives is as follows

To examine the roles of civil society organizations (CSOs) in mitigating the 2024 political unrest in Kenya.

To analyze the effectiveness of advocacy efforts by civil society organizations in influencing government responses to the 2024 political unrest in Kenya.

To explore the challenges faced by civil society organizations in their efforts to mitigate the 2024 political unrest in Kenya.

1.4 Research questions

The following questions have been prepared to guide the study

What are the roles of civil society organizations (CSOs) in mitigating the 2024 political unrest in Kenya?

How effective is the advocacy efforts by civil society organizations in influencing government responses to the 2024 political unrest in Kenya?

What are the challenges faced by civil society organizations in their efforts to mitigate the 2024 political unrest in Kenya.

1.5 Significance of the study

The study will be significant to policymakers as it will reveal the strengths and weaknesses of current CSO interventions, the study can therefore inform the development of policies that support and empower civil society organizations in their peacebuilding efforts. This is particularly important in contexts where government actions alone are insufficient to address the root causes of conflict. The study will also be significant to  Civil Society organization as it will shed light on the challenges faced by the organizations in their efforts to mitigate political unrest. Revealling these challenges can lead to recommendations for strengthening the capacity and effectiveness of CSOs, ensuring that they are better equipped to handle similar crises in the future. This, in turn, can contribute to the overall resilience of civil society in Kenya, enabling these organizations to play a more proactive role in promoting peace and stability. The study will further be significant to the academic community as it will contribute to the existing literature, add to library resources and serve as a guide to future researchers.

1.6 Scope of the study

The study focus on the role of civil society organizations in mitigating the 2024 political unrest in Kenya. Empirically, the study will examine the roles of civil society organizations (CSOs) in mitigating the 2024 political unrest in Kenya, analyze the effectiveness of advocacy efforts by civil society organizations in influencing government responses to the 2024 political unrest in Kenya and explore the challenges faced by civil society organizations in their efforts to mitigate the 2024 political unrest in Kenya. 

Geographically, the study is delimited to civil society in Nairobi, Kenya.

1.7 Limitation of the study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. The significant constraints are: 

Time: The researcher encountered time constraint as the researcher had to carry out this research alongside other academic activities such as attending lectures and other educational activities required of her.

Finance: The researcher incurred more financial expenses in carrying out this study such as typesetting, printing, sourcing for relevant materials, literature, or information and in the data collection process.

Availability of Materials: The researcher encountered challenges in sourcing for literature in this study. The scarcity of literature on the subject due to the nature of the discourse was a limitation to this study.

1.8 Definition of terms

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs): These are non-governmental organizations and institutions that manifest the interests and will of citizens. They include non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community-based organizations (CBOs), faith-based organizations (FBOs), professional associations, advocacy groups, and other grassroots movements. 

Political Unrest: This term refers to a situation characterized by widespread dissatisfaction, protests, and violence, often resulting from contested political processes, such as elections, or from grievances against the government. In this study, political unrest specifically refers to the disturbances, protests, and violence that occurred in Kenya in 2024, which were triggered by various socio-political factors.

Mitigation: Mitigation refers to the actions taken to reduce the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something. In this context, it refers to the efforts by civil society organizations to lessen the impact of the 2024 political unrest in Kenya, including reducing violence, fostering dialogue, and promoting reconciliation.

Peacebuilding: Peacebuilding is the process of creating conditions that promote lasting peace, primarily by addressing the root causes of conflict and supporting the establishment of sustainable institutions. In this study, peacebuilding refers to the activities undertaken by CSOs in Kenya to foster reconciliation, dialogue, and social cohesion during and after the 2024 political unrest.

Democratic Governance: Democratic governance refers to the processes and structures that ensure participation, accountability, transparency, and the rule of law within a democratic system. This study explores how CSOs contribute to upholding and promoting these principles during times of political unrest.

Human Rights Violations: These are acts that violate the fundamental rights and freedoms to which all individuals are entitled. In the context of this study, human rights violations refer to the abuses, such as unlawful killings, torture, and suppression of freedom of expression, that occurred during the 2024 political unrest in Kenya.

Conflict Resolution: Conflict resolution is the process of resolving a dispute or a conflict by meeting at least some of each side's needs and addressing their interests. This study focuses on the role of CSOs in resolving the conflicts that arose during the 2024 political unrest in Kenya, through various strategies such as mediation, negotiation, and advocacy.

Electoral Fraud: Electoral fraud refers to illegal interference with the process of an election, which can include manipulating vote counts, intimidating voters, or tampering with the election process. In this study, allegations of electoral fraud are one of the triggers of the 2024 political unrest in Kenya.

Socio-economic Inequalities: This term refers to the unequal distribution of resources, wealth, opportunities, and privileges within a society. In the context of this study, socio-economic inequalities are examined as one of the underlying factors contributing to the 2024 political unrest in Kenya.

Humanitarian Assistance: Humanitarian assistance refers to aid and action designed to save lives, alleviate suffering, and maintain human dignity during and after emergencies. In this study, it specifically refers to the support provided by CSOs to individuals and communities affected by the 2024 political unrest in Kenya.

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