Kenya experiences a cycle of political handshakes that question the effectiveness of elections and democracy. With President Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga’s recent collaboration, the underlying patterns of compromised governance become increasingly apparent. In light of constitutional guarantees, the erosion of opposition roles highlights the urgent need for political reforms.
In Kenya, a recent political handshake between President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga exemplifies a longstanding pattern in the nation’s governance. While regarded by some as a step toward unity, this development prompts critical questions about the genuine nature of democracy and the opposition’s role in government accountability, suggesting that elections may merely act as a means for leaders to share power rather than uphold democratic principles.
Political handshakes are not new to Kenya. Following the contentious 2007 elections, President Mwai Kibaki and Raila Odinga formed a power-sharing coalition after negotiations facilitated by Kofi Annan. Although this agreement aimed to address violence and instability, it established a precedent for subsequent elections, wherein after contentious voting, negotiations often lead to the opposition gaining seats in government.
This recurring trend undermines the essence of democracy. Article 38 of Kenya’s Constitution enshrines citizens’ rights to free and fair elections and political participation. However, when opposition leaders join forces with the ruling party, voters face a lack of genuine opposition, leading to a political environment that resembles a performance rather than a functioning democracy.
The handshake phenomenon contradicts national values outlined in Article 10 of the Constitution, which stresses democracy, integrity, and accountability. As political figures frequently abandon their critique of the government for power-sharing opportunities, the foundation of these essential values deteriorates.
Kenya’s political landscape increasingly resembles a cycle of political repositioning with little genuine reform. Corruption remains pervasive as revealed by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) reports, reflecting a troubling lack of commitment to tackle systemic inefficiencies. Simultaneously, policy instability is rampant, as frequent government reshuffles disrupt economic continuity, impacting business operations and investor confidence.
Moreover, the handshake culture in Kenya also contravenes the direct presidential system established by the 2010 Constitution. The introduction of the Prime Minister’s Office from the 2008 coalition sparked confusion within governance roles, potentially leading to similar failures under current and future negotiations.
Political compromises foster an environment where human rights abuses persist, as the needs of electoral violence victims and marginalized citizens frequently become overshadowed by political arrangements. Despite Kenya’s commitment to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), the urgency of power-sharing often eclipses obligations towards accountability and justice.
The lack of a robust opposition diminishes Parliament’s ability to serve as an effective check on Executive power, with Article 94 emphasizing legislative independence. Handshakes blur this separation, diminishing oversight and allowing for unchecked governance.
To enhance democracy in Kenya, a break from this repetitive cycle is necessary. Strengthening the opposition through reforms in the Political Parties Act can prevent the merger of opposition parties with incumbents during electoral cycles. Implementing electoral reforms, including reestablishing the credibility of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), is critical to restore faith in electoral processes while curbing harmful post-election coalition practices.
Ultimately, the handshake between Ruto and Raila embodies a continuation of Kenya’s political betrayals, calling into question the validity of elections. Without a functional opposition, the government risks devolving into authoritarianism. The demand for genuine reform will determine if Kenya can escape this cycle of stagnant political practices that primarily benefit the elite instead of the general populace.
The recent political handshake in Kenya reflects a troubling cycle of power-sharing that undercuts the principles of democracy. With opposition leaders merging with ruling parties, the essence of representative governance is compromised, leading to diminished accountability and increased corruption. To foster genuine democratic practices, reforms must prioritize strengthening opposition roles and restoring public confidence in elections, ensuring that political promises lead to tangible change for the electorate.
Original Source: icj-kenya.org
