IN PURSUIT OF PEACE AND JUSTICE IN KENYA

In this paper the author will discuss the arduous journey the Kenyan nation has taken to address critical socio-economic issues facing the Kenyan people. Conflict and peacemaking are defined followed by the concept of conflict transformation. Thereafter the paper focuses on the concepts of peace and justice; and peace, justice, truth and mercy. A section of this monograph is devoted to the post-election violence experienced in 2007/2008 following a hotly contested Presidential election. The need of transformational leadership is highlighted together with the six critical areas identified by Professor Aseka as the building blocks of transformational leadership. The agenda 4 items captured by the Kenya National Dialogue and Reconciliation are highlighted followed by a report of the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission elucidating some of the violations that occurred during the reign of the first three Presidents of Kenya. At the end of the report the author points out how the contentious issues facing this country are well known but there is no political will to solve them once and for all.