Culture and religion in conflict management

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.