The current state of political affairs in Kenya reveals a concern for a vacuum in political competition. The Kenya Kwanza government appears to be either overwhelmingly powerful for the Opposition to challenge effectively or the Opposition itself is too fragmented and disorganised to fulfill its constitutional mandate.
Alternatively, there may be other underlying factors beyond public interpretation that contribute to this imbalance. This situation poses a significant threat to the health of democracy, which is rooted fundamentally in competitive politics. When the ruling authorities become their own competitors, democracy is undermined and its survival is put at risk.
The minority side of the government, which holds nearly half of the seats in the National Assembly, has recently lost its footing as a credible champion of public interest and viable government-in-waiting. Except for the efforts of strong voices like Senators Richard Onyonka, Edwin Sifuna, Ledama Olekina, and Members of Parliament Millie Odhiambo and Beatrice Elachi, the Opposition has largely lost its collective voice.
These few voices, though impactful, are insufficient to keep the Kenya Kwanza government accountable. The Opposition has inadvertently failed to act as a unified force that can effectively challenge and scrutinise the actions of the majority, leaving a significant gap in our national leadership.
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The role of the Opposition in a functional democracy is clear; it must keep the government in check by raising substantial issues, ranging from the prudent expenditure of taxpayer funds to the state of national security. In turn, the majority side of government is expected to provide satisfactory responses to these challenges.
However, this crucial dynamic is missing in the current political landscape. The Kenya Kwanza government has been able to introduce various Bills in Parliament with minimal resistance, a clear indication of the weakening of democratic checks and balances. The concerns of mwananchi are no longer given the attention and rigorous debate they deserve.
One of the most visible consequences of weakened Opposition is the rise of street protests as a platform for expressing grievances. The lack of a strong, vocal Opposition has driven dissatisfied citizens to the streets, as they feel their voices are not adequately represented.
In a healthy democracy, citizens should be able to channel their concerns through elected representatives, particularly those in Opposition.
However, in the absence of respect for the Opposition, critical voices are either silenced or compromised by dubious means, further eroding public trust in the political process. The recent wave of protests and demonstrations across Kenya underscore the need for vibrant and empowered Opposition.
These protests would likely have been unnecessary if the Opposition were functioning in an environment that respects its role and allows it to be vocal and influential. In such a scenario, dissatisfied citizens would turn to the Opposition, demanding representation and solutions at various levels of government.
Political theorist Robert Dahl, known for his work on pluralism and democracy, argues that democracy thrives in an environment in which there is vibrant competition among political forces. He emphasises that the presence of strong Opposition is crucial to ensuring that the government remains accountable and responsive to the needs of the people. In line with Dahl's views, the premium of the ruling party triples when it faces a strong competitor as this competition spurs creativity in governance and service delivery.
To restore the integrity of our democracy, we must encourage political candidates, especially those who are not in the ruling party, to take the role of the Opposition seriously.
Robust Opposition is not just beneficial to the political landscape; it is essential for the health of our democracy. The future of our nation depends on the strength and vibrancy of our political competition, and it is imperative that we work towards creating an environment in which this competition can thrive.
Dr Mokua is the executive director of Loyola Centre for Media and Communication