Abstract:
This study investigated the self-identity of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) following
Kenya’s 2007 election-related violence. The study looked at how the attacks the IDPs
suffered and life under displacement impacted on their self-identity in their cultural context
and as nationals of Kenya and the discursive strategies they employed in the construction of
these identities. The study was guided by Critical Discourse Analysis and Discourse
Historical Approach which were complemented by Michael Foucault’s theory of knowledge
and power as well as Pierre Bourdieu’s concept of habitus, symbolic power and symbolic
violence which provided insight in understanding the IDPs’ identity. The research data was
collected using interviews with open-ended questions from a sample of twenty-four
respondents selected from 350,000 IDPs, through stratified sampling. The data was
complemented by a review of six newspaper reports and opinions on the displaced persons
and four memos and press statements from the IDPs. The research sample was selected from
IDPs from different ethnic communities to capture a wide diversity of experiences. The
findings revealed that IDPs have suffered an identity crisis in their cultural identity and
gender roles feeling that they did not measure up to the expectations of their communities as
a result of the displacement. They had also largely lost their national identity as Kenyans due
to unmet expectations from the government and the community. The study found that the
displaced persons used ethnic and political party labels as well as their difficult economic
situation to define themselves and distinguish themselves from the other Kenyans. They also
employed various topoi. The study brought to light the role of discourse in creating groups
and therefore unifying and dividing communities. The self-identities of the IDPs indicated a
need for economic restitution and psychological interventions to enable the displaced persons
get over their traumatic experiences. It also indicated areas where discourse could be
employed to promote a positive image of the IDPs. The research which was situated in the
area of applied linguistics also advanced the study of language in use.
