Elections, Handshakes, and the Illusion of Democracy in Kenya

The latest political handshake between President Ruto and Raila Odinga raises concerns about the integrity of Kenya’s democracy. This recurring pattern of power-sharing undermines the opposition’s role and transforms elections into mere instruments for determining political alliances. Without strong opposition and electoral reforms, Kenya risks compromising its democratic principles and governance.

Kenya has recently witnessed a political truce between President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga. While some view this handshake as a stride toward national unity, it raises critical concerns regarding democracy, governance, and the opposition’s vital role in holding the government accountable. Citizens are left questioning whether elections merely serve as a means to determine who will ultimately share power through negotiations.

The history of political handshakes in Kenya is notable. Following the contentious 2007 elections, a power-sharing arrangement was established between President Mwai Kibaki and Raila Odinga, brokered by Kofi Annan. This led to the Grand Coalition Government, with Raila becoming Prime Minister. Although the handshake was initially seen as a resolution to the electoral violence, it initiated a cycle of contentious elections followed by power-sharing agreements that dilute political accountability.

In 2018, Raila again aligned himself with the ruling party through another handshake with President Uhuru Kenyatta. This sequence of events prompts citizens to wonder about the significance of elections when such agreements consistently supplant genuine political competition.

The implications for Kenya’s democracy are troubling. Article 38 of the Constitution guarantees citizens the right to participatory governance. However, when opposition leaders consistently collaborate with the ruling party, it undermines the electorate’s ability to hold the government accountable, devolving the political landscape into a façade of disagreement followed by convenient reunification.

Moreover, this trend contradicts Article 10, which stipulates the fundamental values of governance, emphasizing democracy and accountability. When opposition politics become merely a route to power-sharing, essential democratic principles and citizen participation are compromised.

This governance pattern resembles a revolving door, perpetuating the same political figures in shifting roles without addressing systemic issues such as pervasive corruption, highlighted by the continuous revelations from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). Furthermore, policy instability arises as handshakes and governmental changes alter policy directions, causing unpredictability that impacts economic growth and public trust in governance.

In conclusion, the recent political handshake in Kenya raises essential questions about the true essence of democracy and the role of the opposition. Without a strong opposition capable of challenging the government, the integrity of the electoral process becomes compromised, leading to a dysfunction in democratic governance. To ensure a more accountable political landscape, it is crucial to institutionalize opposition, enforce electoral reforms, and strengthen civil society’s oversight role. Until Kenyans demand genuine change, the cycle of ineffective governance and political compromise will persist, undermining the core tenets of democracy.

Original Source: icj-kenya.org