Assessment of Police and Multisector Response Strategies on Violence Against Civilians by Civilians During 2007/2008 Electioneering Period in Nairobi County , Kenya
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Date
2021
Authors
Muchomba, Esther Njeri
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
This study assessed the police and multisector response strategies on violence against civilians by civilians during 2007/2008 electioneering period in Nairobi County, Kenya. Nairobi City County experienced numerous incidences of violence initiated by civilians against fellow civilians during electioneering period resulting into severe damage to life, property and the national economy. To achieve the stated purpose, the following objectives were addressed: to identify the patterns of violence meted on civilians by fellow civilians in the context of 2007-2008 violence s; to assess the effectiveness of police response strategies to violence of civilians against civilians in the context of 2007-2008 violence, and assess police and multi-sector response strategies to civilian on civilian violence in the context of 2007-2008 violence in Nairobi City County. The study was guided by reciprocity and face negotiation theories. A mixed method study approach was used to carry out this study. The target population included police officers in Nairobi City County as well as the residents. The sample size comprised of 4 Sub-County commander, 11 police officers and 100 residents of Nairobi City County. Stratified, convenience and purposive sampling techniques were used in respondent selection. Structured questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data while interview schedule was used to gather qualitative data. A pre-test was done in 10% of the study sample in Githurai 45 Ruiru constituency. Quantitative data was analyzed to generate descriptive statistics in the form of percentages and frequencies in table format and inferential statistics in the form of linear regression analysis to test for significance at 95% confidence level. Qualitative data was analyzed narratively using themes generated from objectives. All logical and ethical procedures pertaining to research were observed during the process of conducting this study. The study established that civilian induced violence on fellow civilians that was severe and unpredictable, was evident within Nairobi during the 2007-2008 violence. Kibera emerged as the hotbed of the violence followed by Mathare estate. The results showed that the use of force by the police was the main response strategy by police to violence meted on civilians by fellow civilians and this strategy was not effective at all. Additional findings revealed that the AU delegation led by Koffi Annan successfully quelled rival civilian and political hostilities that characterized the 2007/2008 violence within Nairobi City County. The study recommends measures be taken to develop police response strategies to violence on civilians by fellow civilians and such strategies should not cause harm and public enmity towards the police service during and after such violence has been resolved.
Description
A Research Project Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Arts in Peace and Conflict Management in the School of Security, Diplomacy and Peace Studies, Kenyatta University, October, 2021
Keywords
Assessment, Police, Multisector Response Strategies, Violence, Civilians by Civilians, 2007/2008, Electioneering Period, Nairobi County, Kenya