This archive report was first published on 4 July 2020.
The Dangers of Ethnic Profiling in Kenya ¶
Kenya's negative stereotypes and ethnic profiling are a major obstacle to a culture of ethnic diversity, with communities being unfairly judged and targeted based on their ethnicity.
As the country continues to grapple with the legacy of the 2007-08 post-election violence, which claimed over 1,500 lives and left hundreds of thousands displaced, it is essential to acknowledge the role of ethnic profiling in perpetuating conflict and division.
One of the most striking examples of ethnic profiling in Kenya is the way in which certain communities are stereotyped and targeted based on their ethnicity. For instance, the Kikuyu community is often portrayed as greedy and power-hungry, while the Luo are seen as destructive and proud. The Akamba are stereotyped as lazy and interested in women and sex, while the Abaluhya are portrayed as gluttonous and loving sex.
These stereotypes are not only unfair but also have real-world consequences. They contribute to a culture of division and mistrust, where communities are pitted against each other based on their ethnicity. This is evident in the way in which certain communities are targeted and discriminated against in the appointment of public officials.
As Rwanda's genocide so tragically demonstrated, ethnic profiling can have devastating consequences. The genocide, which was fueled by profiling and stereotypes, resulted in the deaths of over 800,000 people. Kenya cannot afford to repeat this mistake.
It is essential for leaders to speak out against ethnic profiling and stereotypes, and for the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to take action against individuals who perpetuate these harmful attitudes. By working together to promote a culture of ethnic diversity and inclusion, Kenya can build a more just and equitable society for all.
As Machel Waikenda, aka Stori Poa, so eloquently put it, 'We will never change our tribe but we can change how we use our tribal affiliation as Kenyans. We have a bigger tribe called Kenya in us that we can use to unite each and every part of this country!'
