The article discusses the cyclical pattern of political handshakes in Kenya, exemplified by the recent alliance between President William Ruto and Raila Odinga. It questions the implications for democracy and governance, highlighting how these alliances compromise the role of the opposition and erode public trust. The need for political and electoral reforms is emphasized to ensure accountability and genuine representation. Ultimately, the article calls for a reassessment of the purpose of elections and advocates for strengthening institutional opposition to foster a thriving democracy in Kenya.
Kenya has seen a recent political truce between President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga, a recurring theme in its political landscape. While many perceive this handshake as a step towards national unity, it raises critical concerns about democracy and the opposition’s role in ensuring governmental accountability. The question arises: are elections merely a means to determine who will eventually share power?
Political handshakes have a longstanding history in Kenya. After the disputed 2007 elections, President Mwai Kibaki and Raila Odinga established a power-sharing agreement, leading to a Grand Coalition Government. Although this handshake was seen as a necessary response to post-election violence, it set a worrying precedent of contentious elections followed by negotiations for government inclusion.
In 2018, Odinga again shook hands with President Uhuru Kenyatta, aligning with the very system he had opposed. This trend has created skepticism among Kenyans about the efficacy of elections. The consistent merging of opposition leaders with the ruling party undermines democracy, leaving voters without viable alternatives to challenge government actions. What results is a façade of disagreement amongst leaders that eventually culminates in their unification for convenience.
This behavior undermines Article 10 of the Constitution, which details the national values of democracy, integrity, and accountability. When opposition politics become mere stepping stones to power-sharing, these foundational principles are compromised, leading to a weakened democratic structure.
Governance in Kenya appears to be a revolving door, with political figures shifting roles while systemic challenges remain unaddressed. Corruption persists, as highlighted by continual revelations from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) regarding grand corruption scandals, coupled with ineffective political will to address these issues.
Policy instability further complicates matters, as each handshake entails shifts in policy, affecting businesses and economic growth. Erosion of public trust in governance is evident, with declining voter turnout as citizens become aware that their votes often fail to effect real change.
Handshakes also violate principles set forth in the 2010 Constitution, particularly regarding the executive’s structure. The power-sharing agreement in 2008 introduced a Prime Minister’s office, which has clouded governance roles and responsibilities. Kenya risks repeating past governance mishaps, further destabilizing its institutions.
Moreover, these political alliances often lead to human rights violations, as victims of electoral violence or economic mismanagement tend to be overlooked in the pursuit of power. Although Kenya is a signatory to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights ensuring rights to dignity and participation, these rights are overshadowed when leaders prioritize alliances over accountability.
The diminished presence of a robust opposition allows for unchecked governmental power, compromising Parliament’s role in holding the Executive accountable. With opposition leaders joining government through handshake deals, the separation of powers blurs, transforming Parliament into a mere extension of the Executive and resulting in inadequate oversight and governance failures.
In order to enhance democracy in Kenya, breaking the cycle of political complacency is essential. Strengthening institutional opposition, revising the Political Parties Act to prevent public funding for merging opposition parties, and implementing electoral reforms are vital steps. Restructuring the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to regain public confidence in elections is crucial, alongside enforcing strict regulations against post-election coalition agreements.
This recent Ruto-Odinga handshake epitomizes a history of political betrayals that undermine the essence of Kenyan democracy. If elections serve solely as avenues to political compromise, their purpose remains questionable. A government devoid of a robust opposition operates akin to a dictatorship, and without citizen demand for accountability, Kenya remains ensnared in cycles of unproductive elections and elite-centered politics.
In summary, the recent political handshake between President Ruto and Raila Odinga highlights a troubling trend in Kenya, wherein elections seem to facilitate power-sharing rather than true democratic engagement. This dynamic weakens opposition roles, undermines public trust, and raises serious concerns about governance and the upholding of constitutional values. Without significant reforms aimed at fortifying opposition and restoring electoral integrity, the essence of democracy in Kenya is at risk of deterioration, leaving citizens in a cycle of political compromise that benefits only the elite. It is imperative for Kenyans to advocate for meaningful reforms and accountability to foster a robust democratic process and ensure that their votes lead to substantial changes in governance. Only through such efforts can the political landscape change from one of mere theatrical politics to a genuine representation of the people’s will.
Original Source: icj-kenya.org
