Political bipartisan talks: A duel for the political elite in Kenya

The underlying motivations of these talks often revolve around the distribution of resources, control over government institutions, and the advancement of personal and party agendas.

By Thuku Mburu

Political bipartisan talks have become a prominent feature of Kenya’s political landscape, showcasing a complex interplay of interests, ideologies, and power dynamics. This article aims to dissect the phenomenon of political bipartisan talks, unraveling their significance in the context of the Kenyan political elite’s quest for power and influence.

As political actors from different parties engage in behind-the-scenes negotiations, often with the aim of consolidating power and advancing personal interests, the democratic process and the aspirations of the general populace remain at the crossroads.

Throughout Kenyan history, the last four Presidents have engaged in pivotal bipartisan dialogues to ensure the seamless and effective functioning of the government. Moi’s era saw the establishment of the “cooperation Government”, a term coined to denote the collaborative approach to governance.

Kibaki’s tenure introduced the “coalition” Government, popularly known as the “nusu mkate” government, reflecting a shared power arrangement. Subsequently, the “handshake” Government emerged under Uhuru’s leadership, emphasizing the importance of unity and collaboration.

Presently, President William Ruto is advocating for bipartisan talks, aiming to uphold the spirit of cooperation for the betterment of the nation’s governance. This historical pattern highlights the significance of cross-party discussions in steering Kenya’s political landscape towards stability and progress.

At the heart of political bipartisan talks in Kenya lies an intense power struggle among the political elite. These talks serve as a battleground where parties and their leaders negotiate, strategize, and forge alliances to secure their own interests. The underlying motivations often revolve around the distribution of resources, control over government institutions, and the advancement of personal and party agendas.

Not long ago, Kenya experienced the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), a significant endeavor aiming to introduce substantial amendments to the Kenyan constitution. This process engaged a wide spectrum of Kenyan citizens, leading to legal challenges as different segments of the population questioned its legality. Alongside this, various groups embarked on public awareness campaigns to expound the contents of the proposed document, prompting diverse responses within the populace, ranging from agreement to dissent.

Ultimately, the legal battle ended in court, resulting in the stalling and, to a certain extent, the dissolution of the BBI – the Kenyan judiciary upheld the arguments presented by various stakeholders, attesting to the concerns raised about the legality of the process.

Today, a similar situation presents itself anew. The political elite, representing different factions, have forged an agreement on specific matters, which include but not limited to: cost of living, audit of 2022 presidential elections results, restructuring and reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and related matters, measures to prevent interference with political parties, outstanding constitutional matters; governance issues, effective checks and balances, the question of boundaries delimitation. Some of these issues carry profound implications for ordinary citizens. The resolution of these matters, should the two factions reach consensus, could lead to amendments in the Kenyan Constitution.

History seems to be repeating itself as political leaders tread a familiar path. These discussions appear to be constructed not upon legal foundations, but rather on mutual agreements between the two opposing sides.

As Kenyans contemplate this evolving scenario, the echoes of the BBI process serve as a reminder of the complexities inherent in constitutional change driven by political dialogue rather than legal consensus. Consequently, political bipartisan talks become a platform where political leaders vie for dominance, and their decisions shape the course of the nation’s democratic governance.

While political bipartisan talks may ostensibly promote unity and cooperation, they also present significant challenges to inclusivity within the political arena. The closed-door nature of these negotiations often excludes the broader public, limiting their influence on decision-making processes.

As political elites engage in intricate talks, the concerns and aspirations of marginalized populations risk being overshadowed, leading to potential disillusionment and mistrust in the democratic process. The political duels among the elite can inadvertently marginalize the voices of ordinary citizens, perpetuating a cycle of exclusion and limited representation.

The outcome of political bipartisan talks can significantly impact democratic governance in Kenya. On one hand, these talks may facilitate compromise and consensus-building, resulting in the advancement of policies that benefit the Nation. Conversely, they could also lead to short-term political gains for the elite at the expense of the broader population. The prevalence of bipartisan talks underscores the need for robust institutions that can hold political leaders accountable, ensuring that negotiated agreements align with the interests of the people.

In conclusion, Political bipartisan talks in Kenya represent a complex dance among the political elite, as they navigate power struggles, forge alliances, and negotiate positions of authority. It is important for Kenyans to understand the motivations behind these talks and to underscore the challenges they pose to inclusivity and democratic governance. While political bipartisan talks have the potential to shape the Nation’s trajectory, their outcomes must be critically evaluated to ensure they contribute to a more inclusive and equitable political landscape for all Kenyan citizens.

Writer is a human rights activist and lawyer who works at ICJ Kenya; he supports the ‘democracy governance and rule of law’ program.