DOI: 10.36347/sjahss.2017.v05i01.009

Pages: 52-57

This study analyses the impact of various social divisions among Abagusii on political competition in Gusiiland, especially during the multi-party era. The main contention of the study is that the re-introduction of multi-partyism in Kenya in the late 1991 did not immediately transform Kenya into a democratic society. Multi-partyism is not synonymous with democracy. Factionalism derails the growth of multiparty democracy in Kenya. Among the Abagusii, for instance, factions exist, which have become obstacles to the growth of democracy at the local level. Therefore, the study sought to illustrate how sectarian politics in Kisii have affected the democratisation process. The study covered Gusiiland, which constitutes Kisii and Nyamira Counties in South Western Kenya. These two Counties are entirely inhabited by Abagusii. Gusiiland is tiny and one of the most densely populated areas in Kenya. Before the late 1980s, when Nyamira District was hived from Kisii District,