Agikuyu Indigenous Methods of Conflict Resolution- the Case of Tetu Sub-County

Since independence the Kenyan government has effectively promoted western administrative and judicial systems in all parts of the country including Tetu Sub-County to enforce law and order and dispense justice. However, various forms of conflict have become more pronounced in the area in the last twenty years. These conflicts include gender- based violence, land related conflicts, family conflicts and value- based conflicts, among others. The study traced Agikuyu indigenous methods of conflict resolution. It used historical research design. It used primary and secondary data. Primary data was obtained from archival sources and from oral interviews with informants. Fifty-seven individuals including seven key informants were interviewed and sixty-five questionnaires were distributed and collected. The informants comprised both elderly persons and the youth. The youth informants were identified through simple random sampling while the elders were identified through purposive sampling procedures. Secondary data was obtained from published works and journals. The study adopted qualitative approach in data analysis. The data collected was analyzed descriptively. It was organized and interpreted based on the objective of the study. The study established that indigenous institutions were important to peace building and conflict resolution but were neglected to some extent. It concluded that indigenous institutions are still available and relevant in conflict resolution in the study area and recommended the government, all stakeholders and the constitution to revisit and give more emphasis on the use of indigenous institutions in conflict resolution. This will ensure peaceful co-existence in the community.