The conduct of the protesters in the described cases can be viewed as
contributing to breaches of national values and unity in several ways.
1. Promotion of Tribalism and Divisiveness
In the Kenyan protests, some factions, initially driven by systemic issues like
economic injustice, have been infiltrated by tribal loyalists who shift the
narrative towards ethnic allegiances. This tribalism undermines the national
value of unity by fostering division and loyalty based on ethnicity rather than
shared national identity. Such conduct risks creating a fractured society
where loyalty to ethnic groups supersedes allegiance to the nation,
threatening social cohesion .
2. Incitement of Violence and Mob Justice
In Nepal and other countries, protests have escalated into violence, including
arson, vandalism, and clashes with security forces. The use of violence, such
as arson attacks on government buildings and residences, contradicts the
principles of peaceful assembly and rule of law, which are core to national
values. Such conduct can destabilize the social fabric and erode trust among
different communities .
3. Disregard for Democratic Processes
Some protesters resort to disruptive tactics like illegal protests, vandalism,
and even prison breaks, bypassing peaceful and legal means of expressing
grievances. This undermines the democratic principle of resolving issues
through dialogue, elections, and constitutional mechanisms, thus weakening
national unity by promoting chaos over constitutional order .
4. Weaponization of Social Media and Propaganda
In many protests, social media platforms are used to spread inflammatory
rhetoric, false accusations, and propaganda that polarize society. This
creates an environment of mistrust and hostility, which can divide
communities and destabilize national cohesion. The propagation of hate
speech and misinformation contributes to societal fragmentation .
5. Hypocrisy and Selective Outrage
Protesters sometimes display double standards, condemning certain deaths
or injustices while ignoring others, which fosters resentment among different
groups. Such selective outrage weakens national solidarity by emphasizing
divisions and undermining the collective identity necessary for unity .
Conclusion
While protests are vital for democratic expression, conduct that involves
tribalism, violence, disrespect for lawful processes, misinformation, and
selective outrage contributes to breaches of national values such as unity,
social cohesion, and rule of law. Such behaviors risk turning peaceful
movements into sources of societal division, thereby undermining the very
principles that hold the nation together.