Poverty at the root of conflict in Kenya

I WISH to emphasise the need for a broader analysis of the post-election crisis in Kenya.

The deep poverty and inequality experienced by many Kenyans is as important as ethnic difference — if not more important — in fuelling frustration that has turned to violence.

It is vital not to resort to stereotypes that suggest ethnic conflict is somehow inevitable in Africa when the real root of the violence is anger about political and economic disenfranchisement.