This archive report was first published on 21 November 2019.
The November 7, 2019, Kibra parliamentary seat by-election was a significant event in Kenya's political landscape, particularly in the context of the anticipated 2022 Kenyatta succession. The election was seen as a test of the strength of Raila Odinga and Deputy President William Ruto in their quest for supremacy post the March 9, 2018, handshake between the two leaders.
However, the election was marred by controversy, with several contestants violating the law to secure party tickets. Eliud Owalo, the Amani National Congress (ANC) candidate, had joined the party in August 2019, just a few months before the election, while McDonald Mariga, the Jubilee Party candidate, had joined the party recently and contested the Kibra seat.
According to the law, a person must have belonged to a political party for at least 120 days to qualify for the party's ticket. However, in this case, both Owalo and Mariga were allowed to contest the election despite not meeting the required period of membership. This blatant disregard of rules and regulations has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the office of the Registrar of Political Parties in enforcing the law.
ANC's decision to suspend Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala, who openly campaigned for ODM's Imran Okoth in the Kibra by-election, has also been seen as a move to address the issue of party loyalty. The senator's actions were seen as a betrayal of the party's trust, and his suspension has been justified by ANC.
However, the issue of party loyalty and the enforcement of the law remains a contentious issue in Kenyan politics. The lack of accountability and the disregard for party rules have led to a situation where politicians are more concerned with personal gain than with serving the interests of their parties and the people they represent.
It is high time for Kenyan politicians to take responsibility for their actions and to adhere to the rules and regulations that govern their behavior. The enforcement of the law and the strengthening of political parties are essential for the development of a healthy and accountable democracy in Kenya.
