This archive report was first published on 19 November 2019.
Kenya's by-elections in Kibra and Ganda have highlighted the country's entrenched tribal politics, marked by violence and insults.
Despite the efforts of media, civil society, and other institutions, this culture of thuggery and tribalism persists, with politicians using it to gain popularity and build their careers.
The media, in particular, has been criticized for glorifying tribal demagogues and warlords by reporting their actions and utterances in neutral terms, without providing context that links their behavior to the country's retrogression.
Churches have also been accused of laundering politicians by giving them special mention and elevated status during their services, further perpetuating the culture of thuggery and tribalism.
Academics and intellectuals have a crucial role to play in shaping public discourse and promoting a culture of ideas, civility, and peace. However, they have failed to counter the dominant culture of violence and insults, instead often discussing toxic political actions and utterances in non-condemnatory terms.
Students' organizations and civil society groups must reclaim their nationalist and progressive heritage and refuse to be a microcosm of Kenya's political culture of thuggery.
Robust legal and administrative action is also necessary to stop the culture of violence and intolerance. The police must prosecute acts of intolerance without fear or favor, while the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission must impose sanctions on individuals who contravene electoral guidelines and laws.
The president of Kenya must also take a lead in defining and enforcing the vision of a peaceful and progressive country.
Tee Ngugi is a Nairobi-based political commentator.
