bungoma rapid analysis report
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Final Draft Report-Revised
Saferworld
© 2013
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Copyright © Saferworld
First Edition, 2013
All rights reserved. All or part of this report publication may be reproduced freely, provided
Saferworld is duly acknowledged.
Report prepared by: Daniel Kiptugen and Edwin .O. Adoga
Report Edited by:
Disclaimer:
ISBN:
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Foreword
Saferworld, with support from DFID, is implementing a 20 months‟ electoral security programme
in Kenya, including a six month cost extension. The ultimate goal of the programme is to ensure
that the 2013 elections were perceived as fair and largely free of political violence. The project
aims to develop an overall coordination mechanism among key peace, security and election
management actors at national level; develop coordination mechanisms for preventing election-
related violence, responding to early-warning alerts, triggers and rising social tensions in identified
“hotspots”; and enabling peace Actors in six target areas to carry out community oriented conflict
prevention and peacebuilding projects with the intention to reduce social tensions and respond to
the threat or outbreak of election-related violence.
Saferworld also has a policing and small arms project in Bungoma and the recent Killings in
Bungoma, Busia and Trans-Nzoia was a wake-up call for the National Police Service and the
National Security Council in general to reassess its mandate. Despite the on-going structural and
institutional reforms to professionalize the Police service, the goodwill and confidence in the
service has waned. The situation has been compounded by turf wars in the National Police Service
Commission and the Inspector General of Police office. It is upon this realization, that Saferworld
commissioned a rapid conflict and security analysis to understand issues, drivers, and actors as well
as make recommendations using the peoples to peoples approach.
The urgency of the analysis has been necessitated by unauthenticated reports from National Youth
Sector Alliance (NYSA) which cites Bungoma as One County where groups of jobless youths offer
services to politicians prior to, during and immediately after the election period. Now that there are
petitions in 7 out of 9 constituencies; the political inter party rivalries and divides makes Bungoma
County one major hot spot in Kenya. It is alleged that incumbents and losers are using
harassments, intimidations to target political supporters to sway security and Justice Issues.
This report therefore captures key conflict and security issues that will inform and contribute
significantly in conflict prevention and reduction in a manner that inform the peace and security
architecture of Bungoma County. Key actors, gaps and opportunities have been identified to
improve the effectiveness of interventions in contributing to conflict prevention and reduction can
be explored.
The analysis also helps in the understanding of the recent acts of killings, structural antecedents of
violent conflict and what converts latent conflict into open conflict or intensify the existing conflict.
It will also propose and recommend actions that will help stem loss of human lives.
The rapid conflict and security analysis in Bungoma has looked into the conflict structures in terms
of analyzing the genesis of the recent acts of violence, factors underlying the conflict, analysis of the
conflict actors by carefully analyzing their interests, relations, capacities, peace agendas and
incentives. Conflict dynamics in relation to: - long term trends of the conflict, triggers for increased
and decreased violence, capacities for managing the conflict and the likely future conflict scenarios
were also analyzed.
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In looking at the structures, vulnerability outbreak or intensification of conflict has been
profoundly considered. Contextual analysis that includes the history of recent violent conflict to
date and sources of tensions has been mapped out the, linkages and connections between sources
of tensions and the violent conflict have been identified.
The rapid analysis has also pinpointed critical actors who are affected by conflict. Violent conflict
among the people of Bungoma County is a new phenomenon since communities have lived in
harmony in the past. Of course, wherever there are people, there are always conflicts. However,
the existing conflict among these people has confounded many! The recent concluded national
elections and the devolved system of governance calls for urgent review of the peace and security
architecture. The level of atrocities in Bungoma County has since taken on a new dimension.
Incidentally, the levels of destruction that accompany these conflicts have taken a disproportionate
dimension of exponential nature.
The need to look for a lasting solution to this near endemic problem is imperative now more than
ever before. The urgency called for in these efforts needs not to be overemphasized as each day
that passes draws the communities closer to yet another possible clash whose costs are
immeasurable.
Kenya Programme Saferworld
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Acknowledgement
The consultants are greatly indebted to a number of people who made the study a reality. Special
thanks go to Saferworld Kenya team that guided the research team and provided helpful
comments on the draft reports.
We are particularly grateful to Mr. Christopher Wakube, Ms. Bonita Ayuko, and James Ndungu
for their contributions in the conception and execution of the Study. Our sincere and special
thanks also go to Bungoma Catholic Justice and Peace Commission and all the interviewees who
actively participated in key informant interviews, focus group discussions and in reflection
workshops over the recent acts of violence in the aftermath of the just concluded 2013 elections.
This was enough demonstration of commitment to the study. It is our hope that they will show the
same level of enthusiasm and be available to implement and monitor the recommendations from
this study.
We wish to give special mention to Mr. Albinus Muga and his team, Mr. Emmanuel Were for
going extra mile to ensure that the relevant people and logistical arrangements were effectively. We
would also like to acknowledge the support provided by our research assistant Mr. Suleiman
Sultan
Last but not least, we wish to thank all those who in one way or the other participated in the study.
It is our hope that the study will inform the development of practical people to people approaches
in peacebuilding, conflict prevention and security strategies that will mitigate in loss of lives for the
Bungoma people.
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Acronyms
ACT
CJPC
CRA
CRECO
CSO
CSR
DFID
EWER
FBO
FGD
FPFK
GSU
KBC
KYSA
MATESO
NGO
NPS
NSC
NYSA
PEV
SLDF
TEPEHURDI
TJRC
Act, Change and Transform Kenya
Catholic justice and peace Commission
Commission on Revenue Allocation
Constitution and Reform Education Consortium
Civil Society Organization(s)
Corporate Social Responsibility
Department For International Development
Early Warning Early Response
Faith Based Organization
Focus Group Discussion
Free Pentecostal Fellowship in Kenya
General Service Unit
Kenya Broadcasting Corporation
Kenya Youth Sector Alliance
Mwatikho torture survivors organization
Non Governmental Organization
National police Service
National Steering Committee on Peacebuilding and Conflict Management
National Youth Sector Alliance
Post Election Violence
Sabaot Land Defense Forces
Teso Peace, Human Rights and Development Initiative
Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission
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Table of Contents Foreword ............................................................................................................................................... 3
Acknowledgement ................................................................................................................................. 5
Acronyms ............................................................................................................................................... 6
Why Rapid conflict and security analysis in the county of Bungoma? .............................................. 8
Methodologies .................................................................................................................................... 10
Bungoma County Profile .................................................................................................................... 10
Conflict analysis; key conflict and security issues ............................................................................... 11
Key Actors in conflict and security ..................................................................................................... 20
Existing Initiatives addressing conflict and security in Bungoma County ......................................... 26
Conclusion ........................................................................................................................................... 28
Recommendations .............................................................................................................................. 29
Annexes ............................................................................................................................................... 32
Annex 1: Pictorials .......................................................................................................................... 32
Annex 2: FGD Questionnaire ........................................................................................................ 33
Annex 3: Conflict and security reports-Reference ......................................................................... 35
Annex 4: Participants List ............................................................................................................... 36
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Introduction: Why Rapid conflict and security analysis in
the county of Bungoma?
1. On April of this year (2013), a wave of killings rocked Bungoma and Busia counties where
it is estimated that 15 people were killed in horrific fashions and at least 150 more injured
by indescribable-like-criminal gangs. Bungoma County recorded a death toll of at least 8
people with Kibabii, Kikwechi and Mukwa villages being heavily affected. Similar
temperament of insecurity was experienced in Bungoma back in the early 1990s during the
reigns of the dreaded Musumbiji, Amachuma and Moja Kwisha gangs. However, the
county prior to the recent incidence was relatively peaceful with minimal record of violent
community conflicts except for Mt. Elgon Sub County where the Sabaot land defense
forces (SLDF)-a ragtag militia outfit- had until 2008 terrorized in large scales, the locals
living within and around proximate areas based on their land claims, criminal operation.
2. Chronology of events regarding the recent killlings-The first series of attacks was carried
out in Makutano-Kibabii village on 11th of April 2013. Seven homesteads were assaulted,
leaving two people dead and more than twelve injured1
. In Mukwa and Kikwechi villages
the attacks were done at around 9 pm on the night of 25th
of April 2013. Their manner of
operation was well coordinated and entailed pulling people out by shouting out “thieves”
repeatedly in the local language, prompting people to rush out of their houses to help. The
attackers who were around 20 people, mostly youth immediately descended on the locals
using pangas and rungus as weapons. In April 26th
2013, another group of eight people
attacked the village of Ndegelwa where at least three people were injured. This group of
eight is said to be well known to the villagers by name and even where they live. Two of the
group suspects were later on killed by the residents through mob justice, and later on one
was arrested by the police while others managed to escape. Below is a table providing the
dates, location and the least number of people who were killed and those that were injured.
Date Location Persons affected so far
11-04-2013
25-04-2013
26-04-2013
05-05-2013
08-05-2013
22-05-2013
Makutano-Kibabii
Mukwa, Kikwechi
Ndengelwa
Maina,
Mashambani
Marrell
2 deaths, 12 injured
76 injured
8 injured
6 injured
2 deaths, 3 injured
6 injured
3. On Sunday 5th of May 2013, more attacks occurred in Maina village. At least six victims
were injured in the process and later on treated at Bungoma District Hospital. On
1 Case of John Simiyu-The home of John Simiyu and his wife was attacked 11
th
April around 3 am. Three attackers
came and knocked down the two doors and headed directly to the bedroom, asking for the mwalimu (John Simiyu).
They killed mwalimu and seriously injured his wife Catherine. She managed to escape and was treated in Elgon View
Hospital in Bungoma. The daughter and Grand daugther, who witnessed the incident, are seriously traumatized after
the attacks. (case example courtesy of Mateso- Mwatikho torture survivors Organization).
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Wednesday 8th of May, a family in Mashambani village was attacked, the husband killed,
and the wife and their daughter injured. Immediately after the Mashambani terror, more
intermittent attacks were reported in Marrell on 22nd
of May 2013. According to the
available reports on Marrell, the attackers came at around midnight, but luckily the police
intervened in time forcing the gang to flee although later on, coming back at around 3am in
the morning where they carried out several serious attacks. Approximately six to fifteen
people were reported injured. More cases of killings and attacks have later on been
reported across the County. The local People in these areas continue to receive threats
through phone calls and leaflets. Note: More deaths were recorded totaling to at least
eight people and more injuries captured outside the villages mentioned in the analysis.
4. Response from Authorities-On Sunday 28th of April 2013, the Governor Ken Lusaka held
a security meeting with Senator Moses Wetangula and other leaders including the security
machineries. Measures proposed in the meeting in their attempt to contain the killings
included, immediate transfers within the police service and more patrols with the national
government being asked to provide the police with vehicles and equipment, so that they
can respond to the incidents.
5. Following the backwash of the Bungoma wave of killings as evinced above, debates,
accusations, suspicions and allegations were brought forth by different political leaders,
religious leaders, human right activists, members of the local communities, the police
service, civil society organizations and the media with a view of trying to demystify the
people behind the killings and the reason for the killings. Despite all these intrigues, the
source of the conflict haven‟t yet been identified, neither is there comprehensive sets of
safety nets coherent enough to guarantee security normalcy in the troubled county. On the
contrary rather, there are fears of local communities organizing themselves into vigilante
groups/gangs to protect themselves against the criminal gangs amid loss of confidence in
the law enforcement agencies.2
6. It is against the above background that Saferworld Kenya Programme decided to conduct a
rapid conflict and security analysis in Bungoma County. The goal of the rapid conflict and
security analysis of Bungoma County is based on the following specific objectives;-
a. To identify the conflict and security issues, actors and dynamics in Bungoma
County;
b. To map out the available local capacities for peace including CSOs, religious
structures, traditional mechanisms etc;
c. To identify key actors that the organization needs to engage in intervening in the
conflict in Bungoma County;
d. To make recommendations on people to people approaches that can be employed
to mitigate and address the existing conflict in the County.
2Vigilantes lynch eight suspects over Bungoma killings, by Daniel Psirmoi (17thMay 2013) www.standardmedia.co.ke
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Methodologies
7. To be able to provide a holistic and interactive report, this Rapid Analysis engaged the
following methods: a) focus group discussions (FGD) - where peace committee members
drawn from all the former Districts within the county as well as local civil society
organizations that are vibrant on community security and policing initiatives were engaged.
The focus group discussions additionally entailed thematic group work and presentation
sessions apart from tailored conversations with regards to appraising the status of security,
the processes, structures and approaches so far being pursued (See the FGD guide
attached as an annex). b) Key Informant Interviews (KII)-this method was used to target;
specific members of the local communities where the killings occurred, chairpersons of
peace committees and opinion leaders with a view of getting deeper insights into the
conflict and insecurity trends within the county. c) Reflection workshops, and document
and multimedia analysis-these two method enjoined together, entailed interrogating
different conflict and security documents, videos and audios online with an attempt to seek
answers and discussions regarding the contextual nature and cause of the recent killings and
increasing insecurity.
Bungoma County Profile
8. Bungoma County is located in the western Kenya and is consists of 9 sub
Counties/constituencies namely: Bumula, Kanduyi, Webuye West, Webuye East,
Tongaren, Sirisia, Kimilili, Mt Elgon and Kabuchai. Road transport is the major means of
transport while the use of motorbikes and Bodaboda bicycles are widely popular. The
county has a total Population of 1,630,934 and covers an area of 3,953 sq.km3
. About
53% of the population lives below the poverty line4
.The county is endowed with natural
resources (Mt. Elgon, hills, forests, rivers Nzoia and Malakisi, hot springs) and historical
sites (Chetambe Fort Ruins). Additionally, the county has Mt. Elgon National Park, Mt.
Elgon Forest Reserve and the Chepkitale Forests, Nabuyole and Malakisi Falls, Sang'alo,
Musikoma and Kabuchai Hills, caves at Kitum, Machingeny, Ngwarishwa, Chepnyali and
Kiptoro as tourist attraction sites. The local economy is driven by Webuye Pan Paper Mills
and Nzoia Sugar Factory. Other drivers of the economy include: commercial businesses,
cooperative societies, sugarcane farming and livestock farming5
3Kenya: County Fact Sheets – Commission on Revenue Allocation, 2012. 4 Ibid. 5 This section has been collected from Kenya Mpya, see: (www.kenyampya.com/index.php?county=Bungoma).
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Figure1: Map of Bungoma County, courtesy of Kenya Mpya (www.kenyampya.com)
Conflict Analysis; Key conflict and security issues
9. Possible causes of the recent insecurity-There are different explanations in the public
domain as to the causes of the violence although all of them being claim(s) up to this
moment. These causes are documented primarily as political and criminal in nature.
a) Political rivalry
10. Political rivalry is alleged by the residents to be the most likely factor in the recent killings.
This is due to the fact that the killers as claimed by victims fortunate to have survived the
ordeal and their families, were compelled to indicate which politicians they had voted for
during the 4th
March general elections just before terror reigned. Prominent local politicians
have so far been mentioned for allegedly funding the youth grouping in a bid to service
their political interests. These youth grouping have turned out to become political gangs
used purposely by local politicians to offer campaign protection services. There is a loud
narrative in the same vein which intimates that the recent killings remain a tactical political
move ahead of the upcoming ward and constituency election petition hearings by
politicians from both sides of the isle to influence political winning and promote
“necessary” intimidation and fear through the creation of inter-clan animosities.
Subsequently, many of these attacks are claimed to be revenge attacks propagated by poll
losers and firmly executed by the youth groupings with intent on forcibly relocating
minority populations.
b) Criminal activity of organized gangs
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11. The second cause of the recent insecurity is linked to criminal activities of organized gangs
within the county. Organized criminal gangs which consist majorly of the youth are said to
be mushrooming at a very fast rate due to a number of reasons some of which include:
unemployment, perceived weak justice system, highly corruptible law enforcement systems,
poverty, ignorance and widened socio-economic class inequality. The criminal gangs6
full-
grown in number and organization, have gone ahead to use machetes, axes and clubs on
their victims, well identified in advance. The issue of Ritual practicalness by the organized
criminal gangs is highly perceived as one of the reasons why the killings occurred
sporadically and at transitory phases. The shared assumption is that the killings might have
in some way constituted their ritualistic activities (initiation in this case). This explanation is
further justified by the manner in which the killings were conducted and the refusal or
reluctance by the gang members to take money or material wealth from their victims yet
hacking their victims ruthlessly to death. To consolidate this point is an example of two
young people alleged to be members of the organized criminal gangs who were nabbed by
villagers and severe beaten to reveal the leaders of their gangs. Despite the beatings, they
remained defiant since they were under oath to protect their secrecy7
. In Kikwechi Village
for instance, Mateso Organization revealed in their insecurity cases report (2013) that
sheep and hens were slaughtered and oaths were allegedly taken just before the killings
began.
12. All in all, both two explanations were cited severally as probable causes of the killing. With
regards to the killings being ritualistic, then this is a new-fangled criminal gangs‟
phenomenon and an elemental challenge to the high insecurity in the county. In both
scenarios, the police service and the law courts are generally criticized as weak in enforcing
and safeguarding the rule of law, a factor that catalyses possibility for more lawlessness and
tension in the near future. It is sad that some of the alleged perpetrators are said to be
roaming freely with no efforts certainly from the police service to arrest them even thou‟
adequately informed. In the unlikely event of an arrest, the perpetrators have been released
soon thereafter for what the police claim as “lack of enough evidence” or on bond by the
courts. A good example is provided in the case of 36 years old Winrose Nasimiyu. Her
hand was chopped off by one of the youths belonging to the criminal gangs and who she
apparently recognized as Nyongesa. Nyongesa was however apprehended but later on
released on bond and thereafter went around the same village exchanging bitter words and
proclaiming how free he was indeed8
. Unfortunately, he was later on stoned by the villagers
to death in a mob justice, sparkling inter-clan feuds. With regards to the increasing
organized gangs in the county, it is alleged that they have established command and
communication structure that strategize their objectives to kill, and terrorize villagers. They
are able to repeatedly cause harm and kill their victims even as more and more police are
deployed to patrol the entire County9
.
6 The gangs profit from instability due to existence of few incentives for peace. See: United Nation Office on Drug
and Crimes-http://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/frontpage/preventing-organized-crime-from-spoiling-peace.html
7 This part of information was captured both in the Key informant Interviews (from a village elder in Kikwetu) and in
the subsequent focus group Discussions. The Star Newspaper also captured the same sentiments in her article;
combating-insecurity-bungoma-county: www.the-star.co.ke/news/article-119285.
8 Insecurity cases report in Bungoma County, 2013, by Mwatikho Torture survivors organization (Mateso).
9 This insight was captured repeatedly during the focus group discussions.
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13. Devolution and Conflict- The essence of Devolution is that the residents of Bungoma
County are allowed to contribute in making decisions that are unique to themselves. This is
as contemplated in Article 174 of the constitution of Kenya. The county has numerous
security and development challenges which devolution may provide solutions to or
otherwise precipitate violent conflicts depending with how planning and execution of
county services is undertaken. As devolution intends to bring resources closer to the
people, the ability of the county to make its own development decision in line with the
constitution of Kenya attracts more vested political interests which if left unchecked, may
dent the socio-economic development and cohesion fabric of the local people. Although
the devolution framework hasn‟t yet triggered actual violent conflicts, the recent budget
making exercise in the county and ongoing resource based conflicts especially land disputes
in Mt. Elgon are seen as potential sources of community conflict recurrence. Residents of
Bungoma County have complained of not being involved in the past budget making
process. Their inclusion in the process through the citizen forum was generally to hear and
stamp the budget proposals already constituted by the county government. Some of the
appropriations that are deemed not necessary in addressing the county problems were still
adopted and approved by the county assembly10
. The inclusion of the residents in processes
of decision making is poorly executed and hence results to loss of public confidence in the
object of devolution within the county. In the event of aggravated service delivery that
dampens hope for development, it is assumed that there will be increase in insecurity as the
youth will be highly exposed to political manipulation as well as to the incentives of
organized criminal gangs.
14. Pre-occupation of the people affected by the conflict- Bungoma is largely an agricultural
town with majority of her residents practicing subsistence farming while minority practicing
small and medium scale sugar farming. In Kikwechi, Maina, Marrell, Mashambani, Kibabii
and Mukwa villages where the recent wave of killings were reported, majority of the
residents are small scale farmers who depend on their farm produce for a living. Their
living standards are relatively low and the land layout is majorly covered with huts and mud
houses symbolizing the high levels of poverty. This specific factor mixed with other
interrelational factors usually exposes them to a wide range of vulnerabilities. Majority of
the youth within the town are involved in motorbike (bodaboda) business where others are
casual laborers. Few in particular “very few” with regards to the native ones are in stable
employment (employed either by banking institutions, cooperative societies, teaching,
government and Bungoma municipality). In the rural settings including Kikwechi, Kibabii
and Mukwa, the youth are largely unemployed or “pettily” self-employed in the bodaboda
(both bicycle and motorbike) business. Women and men are largely small/subsistence
farmers.
10 The revelation from the FGDs shows that the citizen forums where the people were supposed to discuss the budget
and amendments were turned to endorse the already existing budget items and measures proposed
14
Figure 2: the type of houses that were attacked by the gangs in Mukwaa and Makutano villages. Photos
courtesy of (Mateso) Mwatikho torture survivor organization.
15. Effect of insecurity and conflict on men, women and children-trauma is one of the resulting
effects of the wave of insecurity especially to the surviving victims. Families of the ones who
were killed in the brutal fashion are severely traumatized while some families aside from
being impoverished have also lost breadwinners. There are unconfirmed reports that
women and girls were raped during the attacks. The actual number has not yet been
revealed due to an array of factors such as: harsh socio-cultural stereotypical conditions that
continue to intimidate and infringe on the rights of these women and girls to come forward
with information, and existing fear of stigmatization by the victims of rape. The Luhya
community and other ethnic communities coexisting within the county have for long
upheld traditional mannerisms of naming babies born out of the ordinary circumstances
(including rape, war, conflict or from hostile sub-ethnic groups). These mannerisms as
embraced have been affecting and will continue to affect those girls and women who give
birth to children under these circumstances by isolating and reprimanding them. As a result
of the recent attacks and killings, diseases and teenage pregnancy cases are expected to rise
with time, where as children of primary school going age in the affected areas and other
hotspots will highly fail to regularly attend schooling for fear of further attacks or simply
from fear of the unknown.
16. Another key effect which doubles up as an indicator of insecurity is the rise of incidences
of mob justice. Mob justice is commonly referred to as mob injustice in the county and has
seen the lynching and killing of young people whom some have later on been confirmed as
innocent and naïve. More than 12 people have so far been killed through mob justice in
the year 2013 alone, while house of some of the suspected perpetrators have been burnt
down11
. Perpetrators have been released after one or two days, with police claiming that
there was no gainful evidence. Because of this and the raising insecurity, people have taken
law in their own hands.
11 This information was availed by members of the district peace committees during the focus group Discussion
meetings.
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17. Identified Hotspots-The following were identified as hotspots where insecurity is deemed
rampant and violence highly visible:
Constituency Hotspot Indicators –drivers of violence
Bumula Mayanja-Kibuke Small arms, illicit drugs, high frequency of gender
based violence (GBV), Boundary disputes, negative
clanism and child trafficking
Nasianda Sugarcane belt/land disputes, illicit drugs, organized
gangs
Watonya Sugarcane belt/land disputes, illicit drugs, organized
gangs
Sibembe Organized crimes/gangs, GBV
Bungoma South Kibabii Illicit drugs, organized crimes (child trafficking),
organized gangs, small arms (from Mt. Elgon and
Kenya-Uganda border).
Bukembe Sugarcane/land conflict, illicit drugs
Township-Muskoma Organized gangs, illicit drugs, small arms
Bungoma West Luandanyi & Mt.
Elgon
Land and boundary disputes, water resource dispute,
tribal animosity (sabaot, Teso and Bukusus),
smallarms
Machakha “Hague” Mob in/justice/lynching, organized gangs
Mt Elgon Chebuyuk Small arms, land conflict
- - -
Gaps, lessons learnt and new sights
a) Causes of security and conflict intervention failures (Gaps and lesson learned)
18. Funding influences the lifespan of interventions and additionally, the ingenuity of
interventions to be pursued. Almost if not all security intervention depends on funding and
therefore any inconsistencies in the same, usually impact negatively on an intervention
notwithstanding its achievements. It is apparent that funding has been a major challenge to
civil society organizations, Networks and even the police service in Bungoma County. This
equally means that healthy processes of problem solving end up not being fulfilled due to
either lack of funding or funding overlaps.
19. Ethno-politics or/and clan based politics is another factor that influences the level of
success and failure of conflict and security interventions. Politicians who have been accused
for sponsoring criminal gangs and other acts of insecurities have remained subtly defensive
and insincere about their roles with the situation compounded by existing weak early
warning coordination mechanisms. Generally, there is the current habit where politicians
take advantage of desperate youth using them during the electoral period as political gangs
for protection and campaign. As a result of these actions, there remains a thin line on
criminal gangs, vigilante groups, political gangs, electoral and ethnic instigated violence,
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sheer criminality and politics. Additionally, willingness and sincere cooperation by
politicians especially those in public offices in community reconciliation and cohesion
processes are relatively low in the county. This is worse in situation where these politicians
are perceived key suspects.
20. The current poverty level is yet another factor which heavily deters peace and security
interventions. With Bungoma County having more than 50 percent of her population living
below the poverty line, any effort of bringing law and order will most likely be rejected if
poorly designed. The inclusion of the local communities and peace incentives in the
designing of peace and security interventions is critical if sustainability, goodwill and
practical solutions are to be realized. Most importantly, peace and security interventions
that intends or attempts to bring along with it economic empowerment components or
attempts to in a realistic manner enjoin existing economic empowerment projects through
partnerships will high likely bear dividends.
21. Poor coordination of past and current interventions by both State and Non state actors is
another factor which ails the county. A lot of conflict and security interventions are
overlapping whereas local organizations struggle to compete with each for mere funding
without clear objectives. These local organizations pay little attention to partnerships and
network as possible coordination strategies since the advantage of these strategies have not
been sold to them. In the same vein, the mushrooming of joint working groups and
Networks is mooted as crucial “baby steps” towards addressing shared problems while
consequently presenting an opportunity to strengthen the principles of networking, thou‟
the same within the context of Bungoma county is said to be confronted with unique
challenges worth looking into.
b) Local capacities for peace; new insights
Local capacities for peace generally include local institutions, local expertise, events,
structures and traditional mechanisms which have the potential capacity to assist in
strengthening peace and security in the County while enhancing tolerance and cohesion
among ethnic tribes, clans and social classes. The primacy of local capacities is that they
help to enhance the „do no harm‟ principle, exploiting the readily available resources and
building on connectors that bring communities together. Furthermore, they reduce the
divisions and sources of tensions that can lead to destructive conflict. Where people are in
conflict, resources represent power and wealth and they are always critical to determining
the roadmap to peace and stability or otherwise. In Bungoma County, the following were
mapped out as the local capacities for peace:
22. Radio FMs- Citizen Radio, Western Fm, Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), and
Mulembe Fm are the radio stations widely listened to by Bungoma residents. Peace and
security initiatives can be designed to utilize these radio stations to engage the residents,
offering tailored programs which seek to promote rule of law, security, cohesion and
reconciliation while building on information collection and sharing. The tailored programs
can be localized to include but not limited to the following:
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Radio thematic skits which attempts to provide civic engagement on security
perception and the consequences of insecurity in the economic growth and
development of the county;
Talk shows, county and National civic engagements and promoting musical talents
that address on peace and security incentives;
Youth programs that promote psycho-socio counseling and which provide
information sharing and exchange platforms for economic and political
empowerment among the youth;
County education engagements;
Linking existing agricultural promotions, corporate promotions etcetera with peace
messages.
23. Kitinda Milk Processing plant, Webuye paper mill and Nzoia Sugar- These are some of
the major sources of revenue for Bungoma County. The opportunity these factories avail is
that of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and a multiethnic environment with a common
corporate objective. CSR can be designed to help strengthen ethnic cohesion while
providing support for alternative to violence initiatives in collaboration with groups and
local civil societies. With regards to the multiethnic environment, these factories through
their managements can be endeared upon to come up with company
regulations/frameworks that attempts to reduce or watch elements of tribalism, nepotism
and marginalization of minority groups.
24. Bungoma County women for peace Network- This is an upcoming group of women with
representation from the peace committees‟ structures, community based organizations,
individual women members from all sectors et cetera. The Network is young (formed in
2013) and even though with a great objective to promote women participation in peace and
security, it is widely vulnerable owing to lack of funding and capacity strengthening. This
network can be strengthened and used to engage and use women as agents of change.
25. Universities campuses and colleges- Universities and colleges operating within Bungoma
County can be used as conduits to develop and disseminate peace programs/education
while building on extensive researches/studies partnerships to systematically explore
options that can be advanced by actors in promoting human security components (which
include community security, individual security, and economic security among others) as
well as county development. Educational institutions that operate within the county (even
with some in the hotspots) include: the Sang'alo Institute of Science and Technology,
Mabanga Farmer's Training Centre, Kibabii Teachers Training College, SACRED Africa
and the SACRED Training Institute and two private teacher-training colleges. University
campuses in the area include: Moi University, Masinde Muliro University and Kenyatta
University.
26. Business communities-Business communities in Bungoma County are not well interwoven
into vibrant pressure groups to influence decisions and processes for the greater good of
the county. These Business communities have in the past been more of spectators in
security and conflict issues even though the same problem affects them directly. They
18
however remain one of the untapped capacities for peace that need to be strategically and
logically engaged.
27. Professional Associations-There is professional Associations as well as professional
groupings. Professional groupings are amorphous and include new professional entrants
from other areas of the country and Diaspora. Professional Associations and groupings are
apparently not vibrant in providing checks and balances on issues affecting Bungoma
County. Strengthening these professional associations is requisite if relevant civic pressure
in response to insecurity and conflict is to be successfully applied across the county.
Usually, professional associations at the National level assist in informing the public on the
changing socio-political and economic situations, as well as protecting public interests while
building disposition on various National issues.
28. Peace Committees and peace accords-The existence of District peace committees and the
Mabanga peace accord present a great case of potential capacity for peace. There are huge
challenges facing DPCs for instance; lack of enough and timely funds for rapid response,
operational costs and capacity development. These challenges among others warrant
address and joint support to DPCs is encouraged since they remain the best conduits for
information gathering, sharing and dissemination. The role of Mabanga peace accord
before the 2013 general elections in negotiating democracy for cohesion and region‟s
stability comes out strongly as a local capacity for peace. A comprehensive study is advised
with regard to understanding the successes and failure of the accord to draw comparative
lessons.
29. Bungoma cultural festival-Annually, Bungoma County hosts a cultural festival to celebrate
majorly the Bukusu culture and other existing Luhya sub tribe. This local capacity for
peace needs to be engaged by all actors, promoted and components of peace, security and
inter-ethnic cohesion embedded.
30. Bungoma County peace and security working group-The group was established in 2011
and brings on board NGOs, FBOs, provincial administration, police divisions within the
county of Bungoma and community Based Organizations. The working group is basically a
platform for exchanging information on peace and security across the county. The group is
however grappling with a range of issues including lack of a secretariat and funds to
coordinate day to day functions of the working group among other critical functions. This is
amid the group having action plans and other documents to help in strengthening
information communication. Collective efforts by the county government and donor
community to strengthen the capacity of these working groups will greatly improve their
attempts to mitigate future sources of conflict.
31. Bungoma County Government-The county government is an integral actor as well as an
agent of change in the conflict and security state in Bungoma. The county government has
the responsibility to provide basic services that intend to alleviate poverty, illiteracy and
insecurity alternatives to the people of Bungoma. The county government has in the
19
2013/2014 budget allocated approximately 10 million Kenya shillings12
to facilitate
reconciliation and conflict mitigation. A „connector‟ framework for implementation of the
program will be more viable when it includes community based organizations and local
communities from the identified target groups. In executing all her functions, the county
government must listen to the voices of the people, plan and execute programmes in
consultation with the people while engaging community based and National organizations
operating in the areas especially on conflict and security issues.
Bungoma conflict and security Insights from available reports
32. CRECO-Baseline report on conflict mapping13
features a brief analysis of Bungoma County
cited on pages 83 and 84. The report rightly observes that major security concerns in
Bungoma County involve Mt. Elgon constituency and the operations of the Sabaot Land
Defense forces. On the economic dimension of the county, the reports indicates that over
half of the population is considered to be living in poverty based on estimates from the
Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA).
33. The Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC) established in the wake of the
devastating events of the 2007/2008 Post-Election Violence (PEV) recently released its
insightful report-volume 1,2a,2b, 3and 4- documenting historical socio-economic and
political violence in Kenya and recommendation for State pursuance. Important Issues
within Bungoma County were put into perspective across the five volume report and
included the operations of SLDF in Mt. Elgon sub County prior to 2008. The report
highlights that several gaps were left wide open and which include: lack of comprehensive
disarmament programs by the government of Kenya and violation of human rights
depicted during the Okoa Maisha operation, carried out by the Kenya Defense forces
(KDF) in 2008. To combat insecurity within Mt. Elgon constituency, all gaps identified in
the report must be addressed in a collaborative manner.
34. One key lesson or insight that can be picked from the report in the context of Bungoma
County, is that the local communities are in most cases aware of their victimizers or
perpetrators but due to huge challenges in the police service (intelligence gathering,
enforcement competence, ratio imbalance, equipment inadequacy…), weak and strenuous
judicial system, and mixed challenges in community policing, the fear of retaliation from
their victimizers keeps them closed up. Cited in the TJRC report volume 2b page 325 is a
case by a Kenyan refugee in Uganda that exemplifies our argument. In 1997, when the
residents of Chebuyuk in Mt. Elgon slept outside their houses, members of the SLDF
would come and rape their women at night. Despite this heinous act, the locals did not
know where to go and report. The perpetrators were known but couldn‟t be reported to
the police. Members of SLDF hanged anyone they saw with a policeman and by end of
2005; the Sabaot Land Defence Force (SLDF) had been formally formed. This case
represents the outcomes that befall areas which turn out as hotspots and the rate of
lawlessness that follows thereafter.
12 This estimate is well reflected in the Bungoma county Budget of 2013/2014. 13 CRECO‟s Baseline report on conflict mapping and profiles of the 47 counties in Kenya, 2012
20
35. The NSC-National Conflict Analysis and Mapping report provides a very general analysis
outlook of conflict across the country. The conflict trends in Bungoma County are
contained in page 26 under the western region category. The research provides general
causes of structural conflict while indicating dissidents of SLDF or former members as
some of the actors warranting engagements. Even so, Conflict factors within Former
Western province report include the following: Land Issue, Poor security infrastructure,
Border/boundary issues, Reactive government interventions, Political patronage, Negative
ethnicity, Diminishing influence of elders, Alcohol and drug abuse, Small arms prevalence,
Criminality (burglary, theft, rape), Lack of confidence in police and low confidence in the
legal systems.
Key Actors in conflict and security
36. Crucial actors in the realm of peace, justice and security are primarily; the community, the
central government and non-state actors. The predominance of the government in this
regard is to provide security to her citizenry (communities14
) and subsequently delegates this
mandate directly onto the National police service (NPS). The police service just like any
other law enforcing agency, upon being decentralized in the county is meant to ensure
obedience to the principles of the rule of law where the security of the people is
paramount, whereas the community on the other side helps to make meaning of these
principles by living up their responsibilities of obeying law and order. The non-state actors
comes in to complement the government in promoting enabling environment for policy
development and implementation through collaboration, dialogue, capacity trainings,
partnership, checks and balances…the list is endless.
37. Their assistance is necessary in helping to address insecurity as a major barrier to
development and avert instances of lawlessness15. The three main actors through concerted
efforts usually produce other strategic and structural “enabler” actors in recognition of the
importance of security in the socio-political and economic development. In the policing
context of Bungoma County, these “enabler” actors include: Districts peace committees,
county peace and security working group, and community policing structures.
38. This specific section provides insights on the types of actors in conflict and security
operating within Bungoma County putting up a triangulated analysis on the work of these
actors and the challenges they face based on the data collected.
14 In this regard, communities entail all the people residing within the county of Bungoma. 15 See Narayan, Patel, Schafft and Rademacher (2000) and Narayan, Chambers, Kaul, Shah and Petesch
(2000).,Chabal, Patrick and Jean-Pascal Daloz (1999), Africa Works: Disorder as Political Instrument, James Curry,
Oxford.
21
Local civil society organizations and International NGOs
39. There are a number of International organizations, local community and faith based
organizations (non - state actors) that are currently involved in supporting or directly
implementing local initiatives meant to strengthen peace and security within the county of
Bungoma and which have been steadfast in responding to the recent waves of killings in
Kikwechi, Kibabii and Mukwa villages where at least 8 people were killed and more than
120 people injured. They are namely: Action Aid, Catholic Justice and Peace Commission-
Bungoma, Free Pentecostal fellowship in Kenya, Teso Peace Human Rights and
Development Initiative (TEPEHURDI),
Western Human Rights Watch, MATESO
and Mt. Elgon Residents Association
(MERA)-please note that this were the
organization that we were able to capture
in our rapid analysis exercise. Their
presence however, is thwarted by the
following salient factors:
Weak coordinated approaches, yielding fewer dividends in terms of reducing the risks of
future amorphous “security and violent conflict traps”;
Lack of consistent funds/inadequate funds both for rapid humanitarian response and for
carrying out proactive interventions meant to curb future sources and causes of insecurity
and community violence;
Lack of sufficient community policing, peacebuilding and Human rights technical skills
amongst local organizations in the area to conform to the ever changing conflict dynamics
in the region;
Lack of trust/confidence by the locals to engage and provide early warning information
communication for fear of reprisal. This problem is additionally compounded by the weak
implementation of witness protection program and poor participation of communities in
the community policing projects.
40. Nevertheless, as one of the pertinent actors, both the International Organizations and local
civil society organizations have managed to act as connectors between security organs and
the county residents providing technical advice, dialogue and engagement platforms
although in piecemeal.
Religious leaders
41. Although synonymous with the working of faith based organizations, religious leaders from
different denominations in the county under the purview of this report have played a
critical role in providing direct humanitarian assistance to the victims, while demanding for
necessary points of action from the two levels of government. With more spillover effects
of the killings being witnessed within Bungoma town, where business community are
For instance, Bishops of Anglican Church
Bungoma Diocese has been vocal in their
peace calls to the police and the communities.
The Bishops have also attempted to dissuade
the police severally from using live bullets in
dispersing crowd of peaceful demonstrators.
22
increasingly becoming targets of criminal gangs, church leaders in Bungoma have led
peaceful demonstrations to highlight the inertia by government to address the unbecoming
situations. Some of these leaders are drawn from both the Anglican and the catholic
churches.
Figure 1: Some of the participants from the peace committees and civil society organizations in Bungoma County in a
focus group discussion session.
42. The following table below highlights the existing actors, the issues that they are engaged in,
challenges and the results so far.
23
Actors (nature of engagement/interventions) Challenges Results, likelihoods and security gaps
(where necessary)
Jubilee-Central government -Providing services (security and provincial
administration coordination) to the people of
Bungoma County.
-Lack of professionalism/skills to uphold
Information confidentiality by the police
service fetched from community policing
structures and the police security structure
with regard to reports of the on the recent
killings has led to diminishing public
confidence in the service.
-Lack of the necessary equipment (like
motorcycles, vehicle) to aid police in patrol
and the lack of incentives in the community
policing framework.
-Police stations are few and are allegedly
marred by corrupt staff or ineptness.
-The infighting between the National police
service boss and National police service
commission has complicated things with
regards to communication and command
structures of the police. This has led to
speculations on job security by police
personnel a factor that may add into the
ongoing insecurities in the county of
Bungoma.
- Lack of trust has and may continue to affect
the willingness of the locals to cooperate
because of fear of possible retaliation.
-Ensuring that devolution helps to bring
services and goods closer to the local people of
Bungoma by handing over functions as
stipulated under schedule 4 of the constitution
of Kenya.
-lack of equipment and the existing intrigues in
community policing will continue to slow down
any existing genuine security efforts while
encouraging activities that appeal to insecurity.
-The retention of the same police officers that
have been there for more than one year can
only help but build suspicion and lack of trust
by the locals because of their claims that police
are involved incorruption and bribery ventures.
-Worst case scenario is that the failure to effect
change in the law enforcement organ will lead to
loss of public confidence and an increase in
mob justice/injustice.
Bungoma County government -The county government is preparing to take
over functions from the central government
and local authorities to promote agriculture,
primary healthcare, trade, local tourism, to
fight drug trafficking and pornography,
promote governance and development at the
county…et cetera.
The county government is also –with choice- in
charge of developing county security, peace,
conflict and development frameworks through
county policies that will help to build a robust
relationship with the National government and
other actors.
-Party affiliation politics causing latent
disharmony. This is seen between the
governor and his loyalists and senator with
his loyalists who are from two different
political parties.
-There are election petitions filed in law
courts within and without the county that
are political in Nature.
-County priorities with regards to combating
poverty, unemployment, illiteracy, resource
based conflict, ethnicity and corruption are
not well reflected in the budget.
-With the ongoing disharmony, politicians are
most likely to continue waging supremacy
contests at the expense of County security.
-The presence of election petitions may likely,
present different political rivalry dynamics by
the incumbent and petitioner politicians,
probable to undermine peace if the recent
killings may have had any political bearing.
Idle and un-employed youth is an issue that
must be addressed as they are highly vulnerable
to being used by politicians blindly.
-Failure to provide alternative avenues for
employment among the youth; failure to
address resource based conflicts and corruption
24
will see more instances of insecurity in the
region since these are some of the causes of
violent conflict.
-the governor is said not to be reasonably
accessible the public, particularly peace and
security pressure groups
-If the current complaints by the county
residents are anything to go by, then the
governor may likely lose the trust of the people
with regard to participatory county development.
Also, the people are highly losing hope to
participate in the devolved concept; to
consolidate county socio-economic
opportunities critical towards overall county
development.
-Lack of equity and fairness in
representation of minority rights in the
executive committee is perceived a threat to
county cohesion.
-Cohesion and reconciliation isn‟t
institutionalized within the county.
-there is need to rope in professional
associations and youthful individuals from
minority groups/rights in the governance of
Bungoma County while sensitizing the essence
of peace and security in the county
development.
-Failure to pursue open space community
reconciliation by the county government will
highly spoil the chances of the county to come
to terms with the dynamism of violent conflicts.
-Devolution elements like the recent budget
making and participation process was not
coherent and genuine. The communities
were not able to engage in prioritizing
development agenda rather stamping on the
already made. “The Bossiness syndrome”
prevailed.
-The county budget which ought to provide
alternative to crime and violence may end up
not providing the solution but creating more
conflict pouches in the future due to poor
planning and all rounded participation in agenda
setting.
International Organizations
(SAFERWORLD , ACT/ PACT
and Action Aid)
-providing capacity trainings (administrative
and thematic trainings), technical expertise
(trainers, researchers, advisers, networking,
thematic funding and problem solving
strategies), organizational and thematic
strengthening, and humanitarian assistance
- Poor understanding of the local contexts
and partners and therefore putting
initiatives that do not sustainably address
the changing conflict dynamics;
-There are Various existing points of
misinformation;
-Lack of practical sustainability measures.
Short term unpredictable funding
-Poor implementation and realization of
projects‟ goals (at times the projects are not
effectively programmable to ensure intended
results/impact).
Civil society groups
(Peacenet, Act Kenya, Free
Pentecostal fellowship in Kenya),
-watchdog initiatives, community peace and
security dialogues, reconciliation and
engagement platforms, research and fact
-Lack of consistent/predictable funds;
-Funds impropriety by local organizations;
-Lack of realistic initiatives/projects where
-Existing ineffectiveness of peace and security
projects to provide sustainable/alternative
solutions to the current insecurity problems.
25
Mt. Elgon Residents Association
(MERA), Catholic Justice and
Peace Commission-Bungoma, Teso
Peace Human Rights and
Development Initiative, and
Western Human Rights Watch)
finding, fundraising, partnerships, thematic
project implementation (i.e. EWER projects,
community policing projects), lobbying and
advocacy ,humanitarian response
the communities are involved in planning
and execution;
-lack of skills and know how in peace,
security and conflict realms, and
humanitarian crisis.
-Difficulties by organizations to solicit more
funding may kill these organizations may caput
healthy peace and security initiatives intended to
address potential areas of community conflict;
-Lack of prompt and informed humanitarian
and crisis response leading to more life loss in
the event of unexpected crisis in the county;
Professional and County Business
Bodies
-Hosting of the Bungoma cultural festival
(although politicians are highly if not equally
involved).
-Providing public interest checks and
government to both the county and National
Governments
-Lack of wide involvement on community
and county issues-lack of visibility;
-Lack of funds and diversification;
-politicization of the annual events scaring
away the business community;
-poor participation by both business and
professional communities in nonprofit
ventures;
-Professional associations are poorly
organized and are faced by internal feuds.
-Bungoma cultural festival just like any other
peacebuilding initiative isn‟t well known and its
background and place for county cohesion isn‟t
equally appreciated even though it provides a
great platform for communities to share and
appreciate differences and diversities.
Religious and civil leaders
(Catholic and Anglican Bishops)
-(Bukusu council of elders)
-(Politicians-aspiring, incumbents
and former MPs/councilors)
-Some work close with civil society
organizations to engage the police in ensuring
security and the county government in
ensuring responsiveness.
-The Bukusu council of elders for instance
spearheaded the development and signing of
the Mabanga accord
-They act as influential individuals although
support for their action is always
adhoc/seasonal.
-These leaders are highly susceptible to
promoting interests that may not entirely
represent the position of the public.
-Their seasonal and reactive nature largely helps
to reduce the intensity of an ongoing problem
although they rarely preempt these problems in
advance.
26
Existing Initiatives addressing conflict and security in
Bungoma County
43. There are quite a number of initiatives that have been introduced prior to the killings and
after the killings to help: strengthen community policing and security efforts; promote
reintegration efforts; and enhance peacebuilding amongst members of the different ethnic
communities, former militias and security organs. However, it is imperative to note that
before the strange killings in the county, much of the existing peace, conflict and security
interventions by the civil society organizations where heavily endeared towards the Mt.
Elgon region.
44. This section is meant to highlight a few of these initiatives-which we thought are requisite-
with a view of providing a feeling of how things generally appear on the ground and the
gaps that manifests.
a) Early warning Early response (EWER unit)16
45. One of the major hiccups that hindered proactive information feed to relevant government
authorities and well as to the civil society organizations was the lack of information
communication-informed data and intelligence collection- particularly from trusted
sources. Essentially from our exercise, it was revealed that the security forces were caught
unaware in relations to the killings that left at least 8 dead. In response to this and
immediately after the killings, Free Pentecostal fellowship in Kenya (FPFK) a faith based
organization based in Kitale, after consultation with district peace committees mounted an
early warning early response system in Kitale earlier this year to help in information
collection, analysis and relying. However, there isn‟t much literature in the public relating
to this initiative. The FPFK project in synopsis intends to target the entire County of
Bungoma especially in “hotspots”, although the hub is technically situated in a different
county (Trans Nzoia County) for reasons known best to the implementers.
Even though the project appears noble in helping to collect information for early action,
there yet exists the need to study it closely, how it functions, its structures, relevance and
make recommendation on how the same can be strengthened and work in tandem with
National and regional early warning early response units/systems.
b) Local Community security project and humanitarian assistance efforts
46. Catholic Justice and Peace Commission (CJPC), has been involved in the local community
security project in partnership with Safeworld17
. This project is implemented in Mt. Elgon
and other areas within the county. The project essentially helps to provide skills and
knowledge to community members with the view of upholding relevancy to the rule of law
in light of increasing mob injustice and criminal gangs‟ incidences. ACT Kenya is also
implementing similar initiatives in Mt. Elgon under the auspices of the Kenya community
support centre where policing committees are established between the police and
16 See the EWER localized system at FPFK‟s website: www.fpfk.org. 17 Saferworld‟s community security approach is about helping to make sustainable improvements to people‟s
experiences of safety and security.More information can be found at www.saferworld.org.uk.
27
community members to address insecurity issues. It‟s noteworthy that an integrated
disarmament, demobilization and reintegration intervention is highly lacking in the county
despite the flaccidity of small arms which residents claim were not completely recovered
from the Sabaot land defense force (SLDF), while the Kabuchai defense force-a vigilante
outfit- is said to be re-mobilizing itself to provide „security‟ to the people as a result of the
perceived failure by the police service. One of the mandates of CJPC is to assist in
responding to humanitarian crisis. CJPC-Bungoma has responded in Mt. Elgon providing
humanitarian assistance in terms of food and clothes to the victims of SLDF and recently
responded to the wave of killings that engulfed the county. CJPC is also a member of the
infantile County peace and security working group that is made up of both state and non
state actors with a view of continuously and consistently sharing information on conflict and
security within the entire county. Action Aid is carrying out a local rights programme in
Cheptais -Mt. Elgon18
.
c) People to people reconciliation, counseling and reducing police brutality projects
47. The people to people project is implemented by the Teso Peace Human Rights and
Development Initiative (TEPEHURDI) a community based organization situated in Teso.
The project aims to bring together members of the Sabaot community with the other
communities in Mt Elgon, and to contribute towards the healing and reconciliation process,
following the aftermath of the conflict between the Sabaot Land Defense Force and Mt
Elgon residents. TEPEHURDI also implementing a project designed to reduce the level of
brutality among the local police force and promote greater citizen control in Amagoro
suburban in Teso North District. The project is targets the existing Police Station, Police
Post, GSU Camp and several AP Camps for a series of engagements (dialogues and
community cleaning processes)19
.
Note: TEPEHURDI as a local organization present a perfect example of a
dedicated group of peacebuilders and human right promoters who have taken up
with conviction, the role of strengthening peace and security amidst huge existing
financial and administrative constraints the organization is facing. This is one
organization that is widely acknowledged, respected by residents living in
Bungoma and can form a model organizations for other smaller local
organizations.
48. MATESO has been on the ground, documenting the incidents and collecting evidence and
testimonies. The organization has been counseling and contributing to the psychosocial
healing of the victims of the recent gang killings. The organization is also planning for
counseling, not only in the affected villages, but also in the schools, because some of the
children are still traumatized.
18 See the program at www.actionaid.org/kenya. 19 Over the years TEPEHURDI has been supported, encouraged and empowered by a number of organizations and
individuals. http://tepehurdi.wordpress.com.
28
Conclusion
49. This report concludes that the ongoing investigation and subsequent revelation of the
individuals and groups behind the Bungoma killings may not be out soon due to various
interplaying factors as delineated within. What comes out clearly however, is that there are
a lot of institutional gaps, challenges as well as opportunities (local capacities for peace…)
that haven‟t been utilized by State and non-state actors extensively to strengthen security,
peace and development within Bungoma County. The County is specifically faced with
several huge security challenges around hotspot areas. The election petitions hearings may
tilt the dynamics of the violence; mob injustice/justice may indicate huge underlying
discontent by the people in view of the state of justice and security within the county; while
pouches of lawlessness may be structurally promoted by other factors like poverty,
ignorance, sheer gangterism, ethno-politics, natural resource disputes and unresolved
historical injustice just to mention but a few. All in all, it is the residents of Bungoma who
will bear the ultimate consequences.
50. The security organs have been caught up surprisedly unable to explain to the public the
actual causes and sources of the violence let alone having intelligence or information that
can be relied upon. Although transfers and redeployments have started to be effected in
the police service, their relationship with the residents continues to precipitate. Yes,
identifying causes of violence is critical if an informed intervention is to be provided and
security improved, but the police service cannot be successful in this if the public fears
engaging with them or questions their competency to conceal sensitive information
provided for public good. Bungoma County needs a multidimensional assistance in
strengthening her security which is a factor that will influence investment and development.
The County additionally will need to improve its objectivity with regards to genuine
development whereby the budget making process involve the people, reflects value for
money and prioritizes trajectories for poverty alleviation and attempts to bridge social
disharmonies. However, all interventions being pursued and to be pursued must be
carefully scaled into short term, midterm and long term assistance bearing in mind
unequivocally, the overall interest of the local people.
29
Recommendations
The following were the general recommendations suggested:
a) The government and civil society organizations must ensure the provision of Trauma
Healing and psychosocial support to victims and family of the victims of the killings as a
first step towards reconciliation and mitigation of future conflict. Currently, this initiative
hasn‟t been pursued despite the huge number of victims documented. NGOs within the
humanitarian and health sectors should identify through a conflict sensitive approach,
victims and offer complementary free counseling among other services;
b) Cooperation and partnership between state security agents and non-state actors should be
encouraged. Platforms created to collect, document and share information for purposes of
informing evidence based advocacy should be strengthen through the partnership;
c) Joint research studies on conspicuous cases and points crucial in providing new insights for
collaborative action within the realms of peace, security, justice and democratic governance
should be encouraged amongst non-state actors (Local and International organizations) and
research institutions including universities with local presence. Additionally, comparative
studies should be explored to provide practical insights and opportunities to efforts that
attempts to correlate two different thematic i.e. social audits –good institutional and
budgetary governance vis-à-vis the status of water, sanitation and Hygiene in the county… et
cetera;
d) The central government should, through the county commissioner‟s office provide
consultative lead in the implementation of security and conflict reports in areas of concern
within the county; a structured peace and security architecture is necessary;
e) There is a glaring need by the police to speedily open up wide their investigation on the
connection between the upcoming election petition hearings and the recent killings. This
will help to know if the killings were politically motivated or otherwise and subsequently
inform the next chapter of civic and security engagements. To date, there are victims whose
statements have not been recorded;
f) There is need for capacity building to inform all rounded conflict management and dispute
resolution skills among other thematic knowledge and skills for timely dispute
resolution/settlement. The capacity buildings should target the community elders, leaders,
women, civil society organization, police and the county government and the framework of
this should be spearheaded by International organizations, central government and
research institutions/think tanks interested in working in the county;
g) Protection of whistle blowers by the government through the witness protection program is
essentially weak. There is need to engage and strengthen the witness protection units and
the police service to ensure where necessary information gathering and relaying is protected
and confidentiality of sensitive but useful information regarded;
h) The devolution concept is not well understood by the people of Bungoma County. As a
matter of fact, the residents are largely ignorant/unaware of the functions of the county
30
government, their rights in terms of service delivery and responsibilities in providing citizen
oversight in the development of the county;
i) Conflict sensitive approaches/policies need to be explored and in cooperated in local
public institution, and in schools. This can be through in house regulations/policies
developed for industries and county public service. Moreover, peace clubs and peace
supplements can be introduced in secondary schools and colleges to promote the virtue.
This can be tested through pilot projects by local and National organizations for purposes
of drawing up lessons;
j) Bungoma cultural festival is monumental in promoting cohesion and therefore the need of
the festival to be supported by both the county government and civil society organizations
among other actors;
k) There is need for more peace campaigns using the media and peace incentives-awards-to
peacemakers at the village level for purposes of bolstering morale. This is a critical
component that the county government of Bungoma and other willing actors should
incorporate in their programs
l) Regular/consistent training capacity for peace structures, committees and rapid response
teams should been courage and taken over by civil societies organizations, humanitarian
organizations and other actors across the county;
m) Establishment of a rapid response team and rapid response fund pool that can be managed
through a well-developed framework of cooperation. This is one way of making funding
more predictive and assign of serious commitment by the actors. It is also one way of
dismantling conflict traps.
n) Need for infrastructural development in hotspot areas, where possible motorbikes are
advised for usage by the police service because they are good in maneuvering in places
inaccessible to motor vehicles;
o) Support for community policing strengthening where the structures, objectives can be
contextualized to align with the county strategic plan. A tailored policy document on county
security and conflict should also be developed through public participation to include the
concept of participatory community policing concept;
p) There is need to map out peace and security civil society organizations in the county and
develop, where necessary strengthen frameworks of engagement and coordination. This
will equally enhance Inter-agency cooperation while providing SWOT analysis. SWOT is
an imperative aspect of inter-agency cooperation as it indicates the genuine capacity
position of the partners;
q) Joint campaigns by the community policing agents, judiciary, CSOs, the police force et
cetera are important at this point in time for the county if public confidence is to be
invigorated;
r) Local and international organizations (both peacebuilding and livelihood/empowerment)
needs to individually and jointly pursue alternative to violence empowerment programs
among the youth and women to help promote self-employment and sustainability;
31
s) There is need to monitor and develop publication reviews on existing peace accords like
the Mabanga accord with a view of strengthening the position of agreements in the realms
of peace and conflict;
t) Donor support needs to take cognizance of hotspots or initiatives that attempts to address
sources of conflict around the hotspots in order to avoid conflict traps;
u) Need to embrace the council of elders and use them as positive influencers revamping the
alternative traditional dispute resolution mechanisms of solving disputes. This method is
also encouraged by the judiciary arm of the government and is additionally cheap.
32
Annexes
Annex 1; Pictorials of some of the photos of the victims of the April 2013 Killings in
Bungoma
Photos courtesy of MATESO-Mwatikho torture survivor‟s organization-Bungoma
33
Annex 2; FGD Questionnaire-Bungoma Rapid Conflict and Security Analysis 19th
-20th
June 2013
A number of tools were used to gather the requisite information. The conflict analysis undertaken
is designed to provide the following themes:
Theme 1: Types and Root Causes of Conflicts – Identify conflict and security issues
1. What are the major conflicts common in this area {community, Devolution}? For each type
of conflict identified, probe to get the causes.
a. Has Devolution been a factor?
b. What are other conflict risks represented by devolution at the county level?
2. Who in your opinion is responsible for starting such conflicts? {Probe for reasons}
Theme 11: Trends and results of conflicts in Bungoma County
1. In your view, where do conflicts start and how do they spread out to other areas? {Probe to
identify the general trend}
2. How do these cases of conflicts affect wellbeing of people {men, women, and children} in
Bungoma County? – identify gender dynamics of conflict and security
3. What are some of the results of conflicts in this area? {Probe to identify results in terms of
negative consequences. Recent trends – General elections
a. Representation and inclusion of all stakeholders –
i. Have relevant stakeholders been especially community members – (policing
structures) been involved in the existing governance /security structures; do
communities have confidence in community policing structures and where
they involved in the selection of members?
b. What is the nature of the peace and and security structure in the context of the
newly devolved system of governance.
i. Is the county government responsive to the security needs of the population
to alleviate tensions based on social exclusion, polarisation and regional
disparities that are often source of conflicts and insecurities?
Theme 111: Key Stakeholders & Players: issues of concern and reasons for involvement – Map
out the available local capacities for peace
1. Identify the key stakeholders and players in conflict and security situation in Bungoma
County {Probe to identify reasons for their involvement – recommend actors that
Saferworld needs to engage in intervening in the conflict/ security in the county}
a. The peace committees
b. County and community policing structures
c. The police
d. The county government
e. Religious leaders
2. What issues of concern did these stakeholders and players raise?
34
Theme IV: Peace and Security Initiatives Undertaken by various institutions in the area
To make recommendations on people to people approaches that can be employed to mitigate and
address the existing conflict in the county
1. Which Institutions have been involved in peace Initiatives in this area {Probe to identify
issues addressed by the institution}?
2. What can residents do to prevent conflicts {Probe to identify which residents; men, women
or children}
3. What are some of the peace negotiation process, which have worked well for the
community?
a. Identify gaps and propose/ recommend potential local capacities for peace for
action
Theme V: Community Oriented or Traditional Mechanism and suitable ways for humanitarian
and long term preparedness and response to conflicts and insecurities –
Explore some intervention results following the recent insecurities and conflicts that affected
Bungoma and western Kenya people
1. When conflicts / disagreement among members of this community happen, what
mechanisms do you use to resolve it {Probe for traditional and modern, for mechanisms
mentioned, ask the types of conflicts in which it is applicable}? Did this work recently?
Why?
2. Which of the mechanisms identified were most effective? {Probe reasons}
3. Do you foresee any situations in this area that could generate more conflict in future?
{a} If yes, what are the early warning signs?
{b} What could be done to prevent the situation?
4. What could be done to strengthen the capacity of the community to resolve conflicts
effectively?
35
Annex 3. Conflict and security reports
A lot of work has been done in exploring the conflict and security situation in Bungoma. In our
analysis, the following reference documents were reviewed to give a general feeling that in one way
or the other connects to the current happenings the county: -
BBC Audio interviews.
CRECO – Baseline report on conflict mapping;
Mwatikho Torture Survivors Organisation -Insecurity cases in Bungoma County April-May
2013
NSC – National Conflict Analysis and Mapping;
NSC- Unpublished report on Bungoma County;
PEACENET, CRECO and RPP Rapid Assessment report Bungoma and Busia Counties;
TJRC report 2013;
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Annex 4. Participants List of conflict and security analysis Workshop– 20TH
JUNE 2013
NO NAME ID/NO ORGANIZATION/ DISTRICT
01 FREDRICK M. KERE 2089609 COMMUNITY B. POLICING
02 CHARLES MASAI 20663203 DAPC OFFICE
03 BETT K. MESHACK 27758964 MWATIKHO (MATESO)
04 EMMANUEL WERE 13318048 MWATIKHO ( MATESO)
05 FRANCIS MAUYAW 0130 974 COMMUNITY B. POLICING
06 LENARD WEYOMBO 8406209 DPC- BUNGOMA
07 ROSE K. CHEMUKU 0133855 DPC BUNGOMA SOUTH
08 JMB. MUUCHI 0824970 CHAIRMAN BUNGOMA WEST
09 FLERIA M. MUKHULO 6092502 BUNGOMA SOUTH
10 FRIDAH N. OTUNGA 296535 DPC BUNGOMA SOUTH
11 DAVID MAKOKHA 1811277 DPC- BUMULA
12 ISAYA W. KUTOYI 7608799 BUMULA
13 COLLINS N. LUTTA 24631810 CJPC- BUNGOMA
14 LAZARUS PEPELA 22549545 PDA NSC
15 JACQUILINE K.WAMALWA 10858801 CJPC
16 EDWIN KILONG 13159118 COUNTY PM
17 ALBINUS MUGA 4397032 CJPC
18 EDWIN ADOGA 25173270 Consultant
19 DANIEL KIPTUGEN 1119657 Consultant
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