African Issues recently published an article by Associate Professor of Government Stephen Orvis titled "Moral Ethnicity and Political Tribalism in Kenya's 'Virtual Democracy'."
In his article, Orvis focuses on the close relationship between politics and ethnicity that is so prevalent in Kenya. As he follows the political history of the nation, Orvis discovers the ways in which the Kenyan political scene is changing. When the one-party system was abolished in the early nineties it created a "double-edged sword," where political tribalism was able to flourish, and where public debates and democratic principles began to take root. Orvis demonstrates that while it is easy to see the negativity and violence associated with tribalism, we must look more closely in order to uncover the beginnings of a more accountable, democratic Kenyan government.
Along with teaching government at Hamilton, Orvis has authored a book and several articles about Kenya.
