Grassroots Mediation among The Akamba of Kenya: An Ethnographic Study

Abstract

This study examines mediation as a type of dispute resolution prevalent among the Akamba of Kenya. On-site observations and interviews were employed to understand and learn why a significant faction of the population prefers settling disputes through mediation despite the existence of other avenues of conflict resolution, including courts. Harmony, cost effectiveness, convenience, expediency, among other virtues, are the attractive qualities of mediation discerned from the research. How community building, filial piety, and brotherhood can be maintained and fostered remains the cornerstone of mediation. From a theoretical stance, the peacemaking perspective in criminology provides clarification of the objectives of mediation. Retributive justice is not working as peacemaking theorists contend, therefore community justice that is tempered with healing is more restorative and perhaps a more effective solution to criminality.