Playing with fire

Description:

Kenya is often seen as a bastion of stability in a conflict ridden region. Yet its security is undermined by an influx of weapons recycled from nearby war zones. Moreover, the country has experienced repeated flashes of politically inspired ethnic viiolence, especially during election periods. Those instigating this deadly violence have not been held to account. An examination of past armed attacks, including a series of brutal attacks in the Coast Province in 1997, demonstrates the potentially explosive link between weapons availability and domestic political violence. Looking to Kenya's future, the continuing pattern of violence and impunity - together with the spread of small arms - threaten human rights and Kenyan society itself.

subjects: Firearms,  Human rights,  Political violence,  Politics and government,  Internal security

Places: Kenya

Times: 1978-2002