What was a relatively stable country a week ago now has 350 dead in riots or gang attacks, 100,000 displaced people and 400,000 more in need of urgent help. Kenyan politics have been deeply tribal since the nation became independent in 1963. I understand anger but I just don't get this dehumanizing behavior - this tribal hatred. It's like being drunk on violence. And for what?
The In-Between World of Vikram Lall unfolds over the backdrop of the independence of Kenya and some of the corruption that attended it. I suppose what's unfolding now is in some ways the fruit of what was planted forty years ago.
Friday, January 4, 2008
Irony in Kenya
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
One of the interesting things is that it appears to me that tribalism doesn't appear to erupt into violence so long as people are following the rules. The violence this week is in response to a perceived theft of power.
So, anyways, interesting how democracy, when adhered to tamps down tribal animosities and rivalries.
I think you're right. A democracy which seems above reproach quells tribal animosity and rivalry.
But the practice of democracy feeds discontent. As an election approaches all the negative aspects of the ruling party are brought to increasing attention as the opposition seeks votes. Whether the election process is above reproach or not, a climate of discontent is fostered in the lead up to the election. What has been tolerated while the elections were far off now seems intolerable, especially if the government is perceived to have interfered in the process.
Post a Comment