In Kenya’s politics, the relationship between the Executive and Parliament is crucial for governance and democracy.
President William Ruto’s administration has been noted for its influence over Parliament, raising concerns about the independence of the legislative branch.
One prominent example is the swift passage of the controversial Finance Bills of 2023 and 2024.
Despite public outcry over proposed tax increases and economic hardships, Members of Parliament (MPs) approved these bills with minimal resistance.
This led to widespread protests, notably on June 25, 2024, when young Kenyans, often referred to as “Gen Zs,” stormed Parliament to express their dissatisfaction with their representatives’ actions.
Additionally, other contentious bills, such as the Water (Amendment) Bill, the Affordable Housing Bill, the Social Health Insurance Fund Bill, and the Health Promoters Bill, were expedited through Parliament.
These legislative actions proceeded despite significant reservations from the public, indicating a legislative process heavily influenced by the Executive branch.
Critics argue that Parliament has failed to exercise its constitutional duty to hold the Executive accountable.
For instance, there have been instances where Parliament did not adequately scrutinize the actions of cabinet secretaries, allowing for potential overreach by the Executive.
This perceived erosion of checks and balances has led to concerns about the health of Kenya’s democracy.
The Africa Centre for Open Governance (Africog) released a report in November 2024 highlighting Parliament’s close relationship with the Executive.
The report suggests that President Ruto’s administration has managed to secure the support of a substantial number of opposition MPs, further consolidating power and diminishing effective oversight.
This situation has historical precedents in Kenya’s political history.
The Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), a product of a political truce in 2018, aimed to address issues of governance and inclusivity.
However, it also faced criticism for potentially concentrating power and undermining democratic processes.
The implications of an Executive-dominated Parliament are significant.
Without robust legislative oversight, there is a risk of unchecked executive actions, which can lead to governance issues such as corruption and lack of accountability.
For instance, the recent removal of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on charges including undermining judicial independence highlights the complexities of accountability within the current political framework.
Public sentiment reflects growing discontent with this dynamic.
Protests and public demonstrations indicate that citizens are increasingly frustrated with their representatives’ perceived alignment with the Executive at the expense of public interest.
This discontent has been particularly evident among the youth, who have been at the forefront of demanding greater accountability and transparency from their leaders.
The current Kenyan political environment, characterized by an Executive with substantial influence over Parliament, raises critical questions about the state of democracy and governance in the country.
The erosion of checks and balances, coupled with public dissatisfaction, underscores the need for a reevaluation of the relationship between the Executive and the Legislature to ensure that democratic principles are upheld and that the government remains accountable to its people.
