Kenya’s Political ‘Transition’ through the Eyes of its ‘Foot Soldiers’ for Democracy and Human Rights (1997-2012)

Journal of Contemporary African Studies, pp. 1-20, 2012

21 Pages Posted: 15 Aug 2012

See all articles by Robert M. Press

Robert M. Press

University of Southern Mississippi

Date Written: July 12, 2012

Abstract

This is a study of young human rights activists who provide a unique window on Kenya’s recent and turbulent political history (1997-2012). The period includes the end of authoritarian rule and election of a ‘reform’ government in 2002 that expanded some human rights but abused others. Based on archival materials and periodic, multiple interviews by the author with key youth activists, the findings make three contributions to the study of human rights and democracy. First, it identifies the often overlooked role of secondary level activists in a human rights/democracy social movement, the so called ‘foot soldiers’. Second, it explores the failure of Kenya to consolidate its democracy and quell police violence, including the assassination of two human rights investigators, an event which sent a chill through the activist community. Third, by tracing the trajectory of some ‘foot soldiers’ during this period, the study confirms a theory of a cycle of social movement activism but suggests modifications.

Keywords: Kenya, human rights, democracy, civil society, social movements, activists, youth, transition, youth activists, tactics, foot soldiers, repression

Suggested Citation

Press, Robert M., Kenya’s Political ‘Transition’ through the Eyes of its ‘Foot Soldiers’ for Democracy and Human Rights (1997-2012) (July 12, 2012). Journal of Contemporary African Studies, pp. 1-20, 2012, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2129475

Robert M. Press (Contact Author)

University of Southern Mississippi ( email )

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United States
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HOME PAGE: http://www.usm.edu

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