SUMMARY

The Rift Valley Province of Kenya is home to many ethnic groups and is one of the most densely populated areas of Kenya. Cattle-raiding has a long tradition in the region. With the increased availability of modern weapons, cattle raids became more violent and deadly. Tribal clashes can furthermore be characterized by a circular pattern since in order to assure survival, raided tribes must retaliate against other tribes to replenish lost livestock. Also the conflict between the Kalenjin on one hand and the Luo and Kisii on the other hand is characterized by such vicious cycles of violence (see the Kalenjin - Luo, Kisii conflict).

The tensions caused by cattle raiding were aggravated by accusations against the government and the police to not be impartial. The Marakwet suspected the government under President Moi to arm and train the Pokot and to encourage them to attack the Marakwet, who was considered to be hostile towards the president and his party KANU (Kenya African National Union).

A further characteristic of this conflict is the cross-border dimension. The homeland of the Pokot is split between Kenya and Uganda . This allowed Pokot warriors to hide and rest in Uganda when needed.

The non-state conflict between the Marakwet and the Pokot is first included in UCDP data in 2001. In March of that year fighting between the two groups had resulted in more than 25 battle-related deaths.