A Demographic Survey of the Reception of Damietta Peace Initiative as a method to resolve Interreligious Conflicts in Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

he Damietta Peace Initiative, DPI is a communal platform geared towards non-violence, right relationships, harmony, reconciliation and care for creation. This platform has successfully been able to resolve conflicts and bring peace to different parts of the continent. In Kenya, there are many religious groups with Christianity and Islam being the two major ones. These religions have had good and bad days since time immemorial. There has been a growing trend of terrorism globally which has worsened the relationship of these two religions. In Kenya, terrorism militia groups have been attacking Kenyans with more bias towards nonMuslims. There have also been complaints by some Muslims living in a Christian-neighborhood of being discriminated and sidelined from essential services. This study aimed at evaluating the recipience of DPI as a method to resolve interreligious conflicts amongst several residents of Nairobi, Kenya. A mixed method research approach was used integrating cross-sectional survey and phenomenological research designs. Questionnaires and in-depth interview guide were used as research instruments. The findings indicated that more male (64%) were involved in the process compared to females. Most of DPI recipients were also quite youthful. The study also found out that there was more preference of DPI by Christians (70%) compared to Muslims. The profession of the respondent was not found to significantly affect their perception of DPI (P<0.05). However, most of the recipients of DPI were business persons. In conclusion, DPI had not been fully acknowledged by the residents of Nairobi as an interreligious dialogue platform. Its popularity was still low. The research recommends more public awareness and facilitation of DPI in Kenya by the national government, Ministry of Internal Security and Co-ordination and Religious leaders. This will fasten the healing process of interreligious conflicts as well as enhancing more peace in the country.