Final answer:
The Samburu, among other ethnic groups in Kenya, may view historical displacements, competition for resources, and ethnic favoritism during colonial times and the post-independence era as initial causes of violence. Disparities in land distribution, as demonstrated by the Mau Mau uprising, and political tension from post-independence tribal favoritism provide a backdrop for understanding the violence faced by groups like the Samburu.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Samburu, like other groups in Kenya, may attribute the initial cause of violence to a variety of historical and social factors. Displacement and resource competition are common themes in the conflicts within Kenya. Specifically, the violent actions by the Mau Mau, a nationalist movement among the Kikuyu people, against both white settlers and loyalists to the British government-indicated a stark disparity in land and power distribution which fueled resentments and led to the violence. The British colonial government's response further exacerbated violence, with many innocent civilians, potentially including Samburu, being subjected to resettlement, imprisonment in internment camps, and brutal torture.
During the leadership of Kenyan President Jomo Kenyatta, favoritism towards his own Kikuyu ethnic group also led to political and tribal tensions, resulting in violence, especially after the contested election in 2008. Additionally, historical factors such as the arrival and domination of the Bantu farmers over the indigenous San and Khoekhoe peoples showcase the patterns of displacement and resource struggle common across Kenya's history. These patterns can contribute to an understanding of the underlying causes of violence experienced by various groups, including the Samburu.
Ecological conditions and competition for scarce resources are also suggested as potential underlying causes for why certain regions experience more conflict, adding to the complex mix of factors leading to violence and the perceptions among groups like the Samburu of these initial causes.