The Media, Terrorism and Political Mobilization of Muslims in Kenya
Abstract/ Overview
Muslims constitute just about 10% of Kenya’s population and their perceived marginalization
in the country’s politics since the colonial period has often led them to
retreat from the political scene. However, the democratization process that has energized
the development of the media as well as the upsurge of terrorism seems to be
transforming the participation of Muslims in Kenyan politics. This paper illustrates how
the war on terror and the emergence of Muslim media have influenced the increasing
visibility of Muslims in the political scene. From the previous peripheral status, they are
now entering national political alliances that can protect their interests and in doing
so, Muslims are edging towards influencing national politics in Kenya. The paper thus
concludes that the war on terror and the liberalization of the media have been a boom
for the mobilization of Muslims to participate in national politics in Kenya.