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 Pokot and the Samburu on one hand and the Turkana on the other is characterized by such vicious circles of violence.

The tensions caused by cattle raiding were aggravated by accusations against the government and the police to not be impartial. The Pokot was suspected to be armed and trained by the government under President Moi, while the police was accused to actively look away when Pokot attacked other ethnic groups.

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

The non-state conflict between the Pokot and the Samburu on one side and the Turkana on the other is first included in UCDP data in 1996. In December of that year fighting between the two sides had resulted in more than 25 battle-related deaths.