Abstract:
The history of conflict is as old as human history. From the dawn of human history, communities
have been competing for control of resources and for dominance. These competitions inevitably
led individuals as well as social, political, economic, and religious groups to conflicts. It is true
that conflict has devastating effects and it is unwanted. It is also true that conflict is unavoidable
and it continuous to occur. Conflict is a natural phenomenon in human society except that the
approach to its perceptiveness, nature and management vary from society to society. Even the
patterns and phases of conflict vary from community to community. Since the causes of conflict
are different, it would be better to use different mechanisms for the prevention and resolution of
conflicts. This study sought to assess the role of indigenous institutions in promoting sustainable
peace in Kenya. The study aimed at exploring the methods used by indigenous institutions in
conflict resolution, their achievements, constraints and how to strengthen their role in promoting
sustainable peace in the country. A case study of Njuri Ncheke Council of elders of Ameru was
taken. The Council has its headquarters at Nchiru market about 13 kilometres from Meru Town. Njuri Ncheke has a membership of approximately five thousand elders who are spread in the
current two Meru counties, that is Meru and Tharaka/Nithi counties. Johan Galtung’s conflict
theory and analysis that seeks to understand the root causes of conflicts, structure and dynamics
of conflicts and its actors with an aim of suggesting possible resolution strategies was used. It
reflects the general theory that violence is inevitable and the aim of peace action should
therefore be preventing, managing, limiting and overcoming violence. The study used
descriptive survey design and research instruments used were questionnaires and interview
schedule. Descriptive statistics were used to present the findings of the study. The study
revealed that Njuri-Ncheke is involved in conflict resolution and promotion of peace in Meru
community. Most of the conflicts are resolved at Njuri-Ncheke houses with only intra NjuriNcheke
disputes and appeals getting handled at Njuri-Ncheke headquarters. The conflict
resolution methods used by Njuri-Ncheke council of elders included determination of cases,
oathing, counseling, peace crusades, dialogue and instilling discipline among community
members.
