Kenya has a unique political system that is shaped by its history and distinctive circumstances of its people and culture.
For decades, we have lacked an alternative voice that would put pressure on the government and prominent politicians.
As Maloba Wunyabari notes, our national leaders have remained all-powerful by having absolute powers over political parties and their functions.
Indeed, a robust, vibrant party is likely to ask uncomfortable queries regarding national development and division of resources, acquisition of property by prominent people, the appointment to senior positions, and so forth.
National leaders have continued to ignore the crucial role that parties play in national development. Unfortunately, we have to face the reality that not all groups and individuals have an opportunity to influence our current political system.
Currently, the media have shaped the political discourse in favour of top politicians.
As Duncan McCargo observed, the press in most nations has accepted the difficult task of alleviating specific politicians to stardom, and this has become an alternative form of political agency. Furthermore, McCargo warns that this form of agency has “unhealthy consequences for the democratic process.”
In Kenya, the media, including social media, have decided to engage in side-shows that ignore the real challenges facing Kenyans.
Often, poorly substantiated news and groundless rumours have continued to create platforms from which politicians can form popularity without taking actual policy positions.
Sadly, we tend to shun significant policy debates that alternative voices raise and could potentially use to win public support and interest.
Leaders in both political divides cannot withstand criticism, and side-shows are a good cover against some inconvenient details.
Historically, we have witnessed how the focus on individuals, rather than policies, affect elections.
The citizenry continues to wallow in poverty and misery by failing to elect radical and unknown leaders who can improve our current situation.