Abstract:
In this article, Macharia Munene discusses the roles of religion
and culture in conflict creation and resolution in both pre and
post - colonial Kenya. Noting the cultural heterogeneity of Kenya
and the often not-so-holy intentions of the church, he highlights
the major events in Kenyan History in which the church and
Kenyan cultural institutions and practices, especially oathing,
have played major roles in conflict enhancement and reduction.
The article focuses on three major periods of Kenyan History:
The colonial era, the Kenyatta era, and the Moi era. In each era,
he captures and comments on the key events involving conflict
and the interventions made by religious authorities as well as
persons abusing cultural practices in trying to achieve their
selfish motives.