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For many years, Kenya’s political parties have conducted shambolic primaries. Nominations of candidates to various elective positions have been marred by massive irregularities.
One has to know a big brother or cough money to get party tickets.
The anti-democratic practices were fueled by political parties being personal entities rather strong institutions. Brief case parties fashioned along ethnic inclinations dominated the political scene.
These pseudo political outfits did not adhere to any rules.
In 2010, the political landscape changed. The political parties Act established under the new Constitution defined the nature and conduct of political parties.
A party had to have a national outlook in composition to cure the ethnic factor previously abused by politicians. They were supposed to be funded by taxpayers. With such heavy funding from the exchequer, parties are required to operate above bar. Party primaries are key aspects of mature democracies.
Credible party nominations in mature democracies set them apart from the rest. Kenya must ensure political parties conduct primaries that are beyond doubt. We can do it.