The aftermath of the nationwide protests by the younger generation has set the country on a political roller coaster. As the saying goes, "There are decades where nothing happens, and there are weeks where decades happen." The last one month has seen significant political changes, unprecedented in the last three decades. The outcome has been positive, with an awakening of civil consciousness about the role citizens play in nation-building.
In response, the president dissolved his cabinet, a move he claimed would allow him to reconstitute a working government of national unity. This decision seemed to pacify the protesters, giving the impression that the president had listened to their calls for an accountable government. However, to the shock and utter disbelief of many, the president reappointed some of his former cabinet members. This led many to question why he dissolved the entire cabinet if he intended to bring back the same individuals. The inclusion of top opposition figures in the new cabinet also added to the surprising cards pulled by the president.
Political analysts suggest that the president used this opportunity to strengthen his position for the 2027 General Election, rather than addressing issues plaguing his government, such as corruption, high taxation, inept public servants, and ineffective policies. The opposition's scramble for government positions has highlighted the dynamics of Kenyan politics. Faced with the common threat of accountability demanded by Kenyans, political figures seem to have conveniently forgotten their party identities to save themselves. Raila Odinga, in particular, is deconstructing his legacy and appears to be a pseudo-democrat. His decision to join the government at a time when Kenyans expected political players to uphold accountability shows a lack of principled politics and ideologies.
It is evident that Kenyan politicians are driven by greed and self-interest at the expense of ideologies and principles. The parliament, mandated to hold the executive accountable, is now undermined by the appointment of opposition members to senior government positions. This act compromises the principles of the independence of the arms of government and cripples the already weak 13th parliament. With a simple majority in the house, the government can now push through its agenda without significant opposition. The opposition's acceptance to work with the government, instead of holding it accountable, sacrifices democracy at the expense of the protesters' blood and sweat. This collaboration between political adversaries is a clear indication of the political class's intent to continue looting public resources and protecting themselves from the rule of law.
The president missed the opportunity to redirect the country in the right direction. One of the protesters' demands was for a new cabinet free from ethnic entrenchment, corruption, and filled with technocrats instead of politicians. However, the president seemed to misunderstand this by appointing politicians, some with ongoing corruption cases and questionable academic credentials. This decision has resulted in a missed opportunity to choose competence and a fresh start. It remains to be seen how the parliamentarians will vet the proposed cabinet members or if they will merely act as a rubber stamp.