By Agatha Nafula,
We are witnessing a new age of politics with the court rulings in Kenya, where the judiciary seems to be wielding increasing influence over legislative matters. The judiciary appears to be giving directives rather than interpreting the law within its confines. From the court’s intervention in the impeachment of the then deputy president Rigathi Gachagua, popularly known as Riggy G, to its recent ruling naming Azimio as the majority in parliament, the judiciary’s role in shaping Kenyan politics is in question.
We ought not to be saddened or seek adulation just yet as supporters of both coalitions because of this ruling. Perceived victories or losses for either side might actually be strategic maneuvers by President Ruto.
Azimio la Umoja coalition MPs might just be expected to align with the current administration following their sudden ‘promotion’ to majority status. While this promotion means a new command of power for the opposition, which has been unlucky in presidential politics, it comes with a higher price to pay. The Azimio MPs now have the task of not only backing government policies but also convincing their constituents, who strongly opposed the Finance Bill 2024, to support the upcoming Finance Bill 2025, which is already under scrutiny by the public.
This won’t be easy as they now have to balance loyalty to their supporters and their new role in government. As for the Kenya Kwanza MPs, this should not be perceived as a drop in rank but rather as a much-needed break from the relentless criticism they have faced since their government took office.
Strategically, the president may be shifting his focus to the Western and Nyanza regions with this ‘court ruling,’ considering the continuously diminishing support from the Mount Kenya region, as well as the recent heckling in the North Eastern part of Kenya. The removal of the vetting process, which was seen as a relief to the long-marginalized community and welcomed by both community leaders and the president, was expected to be embraced. However, part of North Eastern, particularly Isiolo, seemed to disagree, heckling the president and even declaring themselves part of the Mountain region.
To earn their loyalty, he campaigns for the Luo kingpin in attempts to secure his position as the AUC chairperson, then proceeds to name some members into the cabinet. Both moves have seen him being welcomed and cheered in Nyanza, a region that was once a hotbed of opposition politics, given its strong reputation as an opposition stronghold.
The president pocketed the Luhya community when he named Wetangula as the National Assembly speaker and Mudavadi as the prime cabinet secretary. He solidified his influence by commissioning the opening of the immigration office in Bungoma and now the recent first-ever sugar bonus program in Kenya’s history.
While these moves may seem diplomatic and economic, it looks like Ruto is positioning himself as the leader who saved the agricultural sector in the region and opened it up to diplomacy; a narrative which could resonate well with voters in the region. The sugar handouts, for instance, act as political bait, ensuring the voters remain in his camp.
With this court ruling, the president has just placed the cherry on top of his broad-based government agenda.
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