Clannism and Conflict among the Ajuuran, Degodia and Ogaden Pastoral Somali Clans of Wajir County, Kenya
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Date
2014
Authors
Rahoy, Mohamed Hussein
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
Whereas substantial information exists on the relationship between ethnicity and conflict,
little is known about clannism and its nexus with conflict in pastoral areas such as Wajir,
Kenya. The study sought to investigate the organization of clan structures and their
contribution to conflict in pastoral areas particularly in Wajir County, the consequences
of these conflicts and the measures that have been taken to address them. A mixed
method design, purposive and convenience sampling techniques targeting the pastoral
clan members in Wajir County were employed. A sample size of 150 respondents was
used. Data was collected using questionnaires and interviews, processed through
Microsoft (MS) excel programs and thereafter analyzed via content and discourse
analysis methods. The findings highlight the organizational structures of the three major
clans in Wajir within the Somali ethnic group as well as the presence of multiple and
vicious conflicts among them resulting from competition for political and economic
resources as well as cultures. This competition, seemingly espousing democratic
principles, utilizes manipulation and aggressive exploitation of majority in numbers of
the members of clans. This state of affairs breeds tension and eventually escalates into
armed conflict. In addition, these conflicts were demonstrated to have been severely
consequential. Accordingly, many people died, vast amounts of property destroyed, large
herds of livestock raided, security situation worsened, environmental degradation
heightened and under-development entrenched in Wajir. Suggested mechanisms that may
prevent future inter-clan conflict in the area are cultural, political and attitudinal changes
through instituting secular and religious educational programmes, negotiated democracy
and delimitation of clan boundaries. Other measures are investments in water resources,
security, infrastructure and revolutionizing cross-border trade to bring about economic
development as well as power and resource devolution, confidence building and
disarmament. Finally, recommendations were suggested for further studies on all the
neighbouring polities of the locale of study as they face similar challenges as well as the
establishment of the contribution of various other variables particularly religion, politics
and gender in conflict in the area. The study has therefore elucidated the pertinent issues
in clannism and conflict among the Ajuuraan, Degodia and Ogaden pastoral Somali clans
of Wajir County, Kenya and subsequently made recommendations on the way forward
for peace, stability and development.
Description
Department of History, Archaeology and Political Studies, 98p. 2014