Kenya’s Weakening Opposition Threatens Democratic Accountability

: Kenya’s democracy faces risks as President Ruto’s government weakens
opposition power. Explore the implications and strategies to safeguard
democracy.

Since President William Ruto’s inauguration on September 13, 2022, Kenya’s
opposition has struggled to maintain its traditional role as a robust check on government
power.

The trend has sparked fears of a weakening democracy, with critics warning that an
ineffective opposition could pave the way for unchecked executive authority and
authoritarian tendencies.

The Opposition’s Waning Influence

Kenya’s opposition, historically vibrant and vocal, has appeared fragmented and muted
since Ruto assumed power.

Opposition leader Raila Odinga, who led the Azimio la Umoja coalition in the 2022
presidential race, has faced challenges rallying his supporters and coalition members.
A significant factor has been the ruling Kenya Kwanza Alliance’s strategic moves to co-
opt opposition figures.

For instance, former Azimio allies, including Jubilee Party legislators, have shifted their
allegiance to Kenya Kwanza, citing the need for development in their regions.

“ The incorporation of opposition figures into the government
apparatus, while superficially appearing as an act of reconciliation, is,
in reality, it is a Machiavellian tactic designed to create the illusion of
inclusivity while simultaneously undermining the very foundations of
the democratic opposition,” says Odhiambo Jerameel Kevins.

By April 2023, over 30 opposition MPs had aligned with the government in what
political analyst Professor Macharia Munene described as a “calculated move to
destabilise the opposition from within.”

“Democracy thrives when there is a vibrant opposition. What we are
witnessing is a blurring of lines between the government and opposition,
which weakens accountability mechanisms,” said Prof. Munene.

Tactics Used by the Government

The Bipartisan Talks

In April 2023, the government initiated bipartisan talks with the opposition,
ostensibly to address contentious issues like electoral reforms. However, critics,
including constitutional lawyer Waikwa Wanyoike, argue that the talks were a
ploy to neutralise opposition momentum.

“The bipartisan talks created the illusion of engagement while effectively
pacifying the opposition’s core agenda,” Wanyoike noted.

Targeting Opposition Leaders

The government has also been accused of using state agencies to intimidate
opposition leaders. In June 2023, former Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry
Rotich, aligned with Raila’s coalition, was arrested on corruption charges, a move
critics described as selective justice.

Budgetary Constraints

In June 2024, opposition parties complained about delays in receiving funds
allocated under the Political Parties Act. Raila Odinga decried the move as a
deliberate strategy to cripple opposition activities.

“The government is starving us of resources to frustrate our operations. This is a
direct assault on democracy,” Odinga said at a rally in Kisumu.

Implications for Democracy

Kenya’s democracy has long been hailed as a model for the region. However, the
erosion of opposition power risks reversing gains made since the advent of multi-party
democracy in the 1990s. A weak opposition could embolden the executive to:

● Pass legislation without adequate scrutiny.
● Diminish accountability for corruption and governance failures.
● Undermine judicial independence by consolidating power.

In July 2023, for example, the government pushed through the controversial Finance
Act, introducing a housing levy and raising taxes on essential goods.
Despite public outcry and protests, the opposition was unable to galvanize sufficient
parliamentary resistance.

What Can Be Done?

Experts emphasise the need for structural reforms to strengthen opposition roles,
including:

Legal Protections for Opposition

Ensuring financial independence for opposition parties is critical. Amending the
Political Parties Act to guarantee timely disbursement of funds could prevent
undue government interference.

Civil Society Engagement

Civil society organisations must step up to fill the accountability gap. Groups like
Transparency International Kenya have called for greater vigilance in monitoring
government activities.

Public Pressure

The public can play a pivotal role in demanding accountability. The July 2023
protests against the Finance Act demonstrated the potential for grassroots
movements to check government excesses.

Conclusion

Kenya’s democracy hinges on the strength of its opposition to provide oversight and
balance.

As President Ruto’s government consolidates power, ensuring an independent and
effective opposition is paramount. Without it, the democratic foundations painstakingly
built over decades could crumble, leaving Kenyans vulnerable to authoritarian rule.
As political analyst Mutahi Ngunyi aptly warned:

“When the opposition fails, the people become the opposition. But that is a
dangerous route for any democracy to take.”