This archive report was first published on 11 December 2019.
As Kenya moves towards a more representative and stable form of government, the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) Taskforce has proposed a crucial step towards inclusivity in national discourse: the establishment of a Shadow Cabinet.
According to the BBI proposal, the Shadow Cabinet would be led by the leader of the official opposition, who would be the runner-up in the presidential election. This would ensure that the opposition's voice is heard and their views are represented in the daily workings of Parliament.
The Shadow Cabinet would also promote peaceful elections in future by encouraging the government to propose policies that appeal to many voters. By holding a mirror up to the work of the government, the Shadow Cabinet can function as a de facto alternative, highlighting the differences between the draft policies of the government and the preferences of the minority voter base.
As President Uhuru Kenyatta has emphasized, the introduction of a Shadow Cabinet and a leader of opposition means that even if a presidential candidate finishes second in the race, they won't completely lose. Kenyans who supported the second most popular candidate can rest assured that their political views would be represented for the entirety of the upcoming term.
The BBI has been right to highlight that our elections stand out and that our laws unnecessarily pit opposing political groups against each other. With an institutionalized opposition, we will be able to bridge the divide between election periods and periods of governance.
Establishing a Shadow Cabinet with a leader of the official opposition is one of the most innovative proposals put forth by the BBI taskforce. It will empower the 'losers' in elections and re-enfranchise those whose voices are currently worthless if their side does not make it into government.
By making sure that the contents of the proposal are enshrined in the Constitution and actually improve day-to-day governance in Kenya, we can make our country a safer, fairer, and more representative democracy.
