Political Democratization and Inter-Ethnic Dynamics of Pastoral Groups in East Africa: Emergence of a New Ethnic Identity in the Ariaal in Northern Kenya

Abstract

This paper investigates the dynamics underlying the homogenization of ethnic differences characterizing a pastoral society within a nation-state and the subsequent revival of diversity. The elimination of ethnic antagonisms is among the key precursors to the successful introduction of a democratic multiparty system in African countries. Nevertheless, since the introduction of a multiparty system in Kenya in 1992, many ethnic groups have created new or re-created old conflicts, leading to frequent inter-ethnic conflicts and disputes about political issues. Thus, multi-party systems must create opportunities for dialog among groups that developed different interests during election campaigns. The Kenyan national election, which was held on  Dec. 27, 2007, caused a major disruption in the country. During the election, ethnic claims about political resources created a confrontational relationship between two pastoral societies in the Laisimis constituency in Northern Kenya that had maintained a symbiotic relationship for many years. However, people encouraged reconciliation after the election by promoting the flexibility with which ethnicity had been treated previously. Marginalized pastoral societies in Northern Kenya have exhibited different styles of ethnicity that vary according to the political, economic, social, and cultural conditions at any given time. This paper examines the possibilities inherent in the ambiguity and flexibility that characterize the ethnic identities of East African pastoral societies as they develop new strategies for surviving in modern situations.