This archive report was first published on 23 May 2020.
On May 23, 2020, the Nation published an article highlighting the dangers of Jubilee Party's dominance over Parliament, which threatens the country's democratic progress.
The removal of Senate Deputy Speaker Kithure Kindiki was a manifestation of Jubilee Party rivalry rather than a legislative agenda, highlighting the party's ruthless grip on Parliament and the threat it poses to democracy.
Party leaders, who hold significant power, are the determinants of what happens in Parliament and define national politics, which is a dangerous and anachronistic practice in a democratic country.
The Senate's decision to defrock Kipchumba Murkomen and Susan Kihika as majority leader and majority chief whip, respectively, was a result of their alignment with the Jubilee wing led by Deputy President William Ruto, who has fallen out with President Uhuru Kenyatta.
The 2010 Constitution aimed to establish independent institutions and depart from the previous one-man show, but it seems the country has not made progress in enforcing this demarcation.
As a result, decisions are made elsewhere and imposed on Parliament and the nation, disregarding even the party's own rules.
The country is on the brink of a bloodbath in the Senate and the National Assembly, with plans to oust chairs of various parliamentary committees due to their political leanings.
Those who yearn for true democracy are calling for the restoration of the rule of law and civility in politics, which can only be achieved by democratizing parties and creating institutions where members have a say.
