Is Kenya truly a democracy? Examining election integrity.

 

Kenya, often hailed as one of East Africa’s most politically stable nations, prides itself on being a democracy. Its multi-party elections, regular political transitions, and vibrant civil society paint a picture of a democratic nation. Yet, beneath the surface, questions persist about the true nature of Kenya’s democracy—especially when it comes to the integrity of its elections. Is Kenya’s democracy a genuine reflection of the will of the people, or is it compromised by electoral malpractices, systemic flaws, and political manipulation? In this article, we examine Kenya’s electoral process, its challenges, and the ongoing struggle for fair and free elections.

The Foundations of Kenya’s Democracy

Kenya’s democratic journey began in earnest after gaining independence from Britain in 1963. The country initially operated as a single-party state, but in 1991, the government introduced multi-party politics, paving the way for competitive elections. The 2010 Constitution further entrenched democratic principles, promising greater participation, accountability, and transparency.

Kenya's elections are governed by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), an independent body mandated with overseeing the conduct of free and fair elections. Kenya’s political landscape is characterized by intense competition between a variety of parties and coalitions, particularly the two major ones: Jubilee Party and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

Challenges to Electoral Integrity

While Kenya’s electoral system is structured to ensure fairness, numerous challenges and incidents have raised doubts about its true democratic nature. Below are some of the key concerns:

1. Electoral Fraud and Vote Rigging

Kenya has a long history of election-related controversies, with allegations of vote rigging and electoral fraud arising after nearly every election since 1992. In 2007, the contested presidential election led to widespread violence, with opposition leaders accusing the government of rigging the results. The aftermath saw more than 1,000 people killed and hundreds of thousands displaced in what is remembered as one of the darkest chapters in Kenya’s post-independence history.

Although the 2013 and 2017 elections were less violent, accusations of electoral malpractice persisted. In 2017, opposition leader Raila Odinga refused to accept the results, claiming the elections were rigged. The Supreme Court ruled in his favor, annulled the results, and ordered a fresh election. While this was a significant milestone for Kenya’s democracy, the subsequent election raised concerns about transparency and the manipulation of the electoral process.

2. Electoral Violence and Intimidation

Electoral violence is a recurrent issue in Kenya, particularly during highly contested presidential races. Political rivalries often turn violent, and ethnic groups can become polarized, leading to violence and intimidation. The 2007 post-election violence, for instance, involved attacks on certain communities perceived to have supported opposing candidates. While progress has been made in addressing violence through peace-building efforts and judicial reforms, the fear of violence during elections still lingers in the minds of voters, particularly in marginalized regions.

3. Manipulation of Voter Registers

The integrity of the voter register is crucial to ensuring the legitimacy of elections. However, there have been consistent complaints about voter registration anomalies, such as the inclusion of deceased individuals and "ghost voters" on the electoral roll. Such discrepancies can lead to voter manipulation, disenfranchisement, and inaccurate results.

In 2017, opposition parties raised concerns over the composition of the voter register, accusing the IEBC of failing to cleanse it properly. Although the IEBC conducted a biometric voter registration drive in the lead-up to the election, questions about the accuracy and credibility of the register remained a point of contention.

4. Influence of Money in Politics

The role of money in Kenyan politics has a significant impact on the electoral process. Politicians and candidates with access to substantial financial resources often have an unfair advantage, using their wealth to sway voters through bribery, coercion, and the purchase of votes. The "money politics" culture undermines the democratic process by prioritizing financial clout over merit and policy. It also fosters corruption, as politicians may resort to illegal practices to finance their campaigns.

5. The Role of the Media and Social Media

While Kenya has a robust media landscape, media outlets are often accused of bias, sensationalism, and partisanship during election periods. Politicians and parties often use the media to manipulate public opinion, spread misinformation, or suppress dissenting voices. Social media has become a battleground for political messaging, and the spread of fake news and inflammatory content has raised concerns about the integrity of electoral campaigns.

In some cases, disinformation campaigns on platforms like Twitter and Facebook have been used to discredit opponents, inflame ethnic divisions, and sway the electorate. These tactics can undermine voter confidence in the electoral process.

Efforts to Strengthen Election Integrity

Despite the challenges, Kenya has made significant efforts to improve the integrity of its elections.

1. Technological Innovations

The introduction of biometric voter registration, electronic voter identification, and digital voting systems have improved the transparency of Kenya’s electoral process. The 2017 election saw the use of electronic transmission of results, aimed at reducing human error and interference. However, technical failures in the system during the election led to doubts about its reliability and raised concerns about the potential for hacking or manipulation.

2. Judicial Oversight

Kenya’s judiciary has played a pivotal role in ensuring electoral integrity. The 2017 Supreme Court ruling that annulled the presidential election results set a precedent for judicial accountability. The court’s decision was hailed as a victory for democracy, proving that even the highest office in the land could be held accountable.

3. Electoral Reforms

In response to previous electoral challenges, the IEBC has introduced a series of reforms, including the review of the voter register, improved staff training, and efforts to ensure a more transparent vote-counting process. Civil society organizations and international observers also play an essential role in monitoring elections to enhance accountability.

Conclusion: Is Kenya Truly a Democracy?

Kenya has certainly made significant progress toward building a democratic society. Its vibrant political discourse, active civil society, and regular elections are hallmarks of democratic practice. However, the integrity of its elections remains a work in progress. Electoral fraud, violence, manipulation, and the influence of money in politics continue to undermine public trust in the electoral process.

To strengthen its democracy, Kenya must tackle these issues head-on. Electoral reforms, judicial independence, enhanced transparency, and greater public awareness are crucial steps toward ensuring that future elections truly reflect the will of the people. Only then can Kenya truly claim to be a democracy that serves all its citizens fairly and justly.