Elections have become more than just a constitutional exercise; they are the grand stage where democracy plays dead, buried beneath layers of manipulation, violence, and foreign meddling.
By: Midmark Onsongo
Worth Noting:
- The 2022 elections witnessed a spike in foreign funding disguised as “support for democratic processes.” Yet, one must wonder: who benefits from this support? More often than not, it is the same political elite who form cozy relationships with foreign ambassadors and consultants, leaving ordinary Kenyans in the dust.
- It is no secret that certain foreign governments have interests in Kenya that transcend mere diplomatic relations. Oil, trade routes, and regional influence are at stake. Political analysts point to a pattern
The countdown to an election in Kenya is less a countdown to democracy and more an ominous prelude to chaos. Voters are called to the polls with the hope that their voices will be heard, only to discover that their ballots are mere props in a macabre political theater. With each passing election cycle, we are forced to witness the same grim spectacle: rigging, violence, and a myriad of unseen hands pulling strings from the shadows. The tragic irony is that what should be a celebration of civic duty becomes a cruel reminder of our fractured democracy, manipulated by those who profit from our despair.
The 2007 elections serve as a chilling case study of this grim reality. Following the announcement of results, the nation erupted in violence, resulting in over 1,100 deaths and the displacement of over 600,000 people. The flames of chaos were stoked by a political elite that saw opportunity in our divisions, using ethnicity as a tool to incite conflict. What was meant to be a peaceful transfer of power transformed into a bloodbath, revealing the dark underbelly of Kenya’s electoral process. And while the masses bled, the political puppeteers remained unscathed, plotting their next moves while the rest of us were left to pick up the pieces.
But the shadows of manipulation don’t end with ethnic violence. No, the insidious nature of our electoral politics runs deeper, where foreign interference often dances on the strings of domestic agendas. The likes of foreign powers—be it from the West or the East—have infiltrated our elections, promising assistance in exchange for influence.
The 2022 elections witnessed a spike in foreign funding disguised as “support for democratic processes.” Yet, one must wonder: who benefits from this support? More often than not, it is the same political elite who form cozy relationships with foreign ambassadors and consultants, leaving ordinary Kenyans in the dust.
It is no secret that certain foreign governments have interests in Kenya that transcend mere diplomatic relations. Oil, trade routes, and regional influence are at stake. Political analysts point to a pattern: in the months leading up to elections, foreign representatives are seen courting candidates, offering financial assistance under the guise of democratic support. This results in a sordid deal where our sovereignty is bartered away, and the political elite, buoyed by foreign cash, entrench themselves in power while sidestepping the true will of the people.
In addition to rigging and foreign interference, the political machinery is greased with the oil of violence. Every election year, the rhetoric escalates, and political rivalries devolve into blood feuds. In the run-up to the 2022 elections, as the two dominant forces, Raila Odinga and William Ruto, squared off, supporters were mobilized into fervent militias ready to defend their “chosen” candidates at any cost. Violence was not merely an aftermath; it was a strategy, premeditated and rehearsed. The haunting sounds of protest turned into gunfire, with reports of extrajudicial killings rising as the police were deployed not as peacekeepers but as enforcers of political loyalty. The violence is never random; it’s a calculated tactic employed by those who wield power. The scars from previous elections linger, and each new cycle brings a fear that chokes the voice of dissent. The chilling effect on opposition candidates and their supporters is palpable, a reminder that to challenge the status quo could mean facing violence or worse. In this twisted game of politics, dissent is met with intimidation, and the fight for democracy is quashed by the heavy hand of those in power.
Yet, amidst the chaos and manipulation, a glimmer of hope emerges. Civil society organizations, grassroots movements, and ordinary Kenyans continue to rise, determined to reclaim their democracy. Groups like the Kenya Human Rights Commission and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) have tirelessly fought for transparency and accountability in elections, shining a light on the dark corners where fraud and violence thrive. Their relentless pursuit of justice is a beacon of hope for a nation desperate for change. However, their efforts are met with challenges—threats, harassment, and sometimes violence—all orchestrated by those threatened by transparency.
As citizens, we must learn to navigate this treacherous landscape. The power lies not solely in the hands of the politicians; it resides with us—the voters. But to wield that power, we must be vigilant. We must educate ourselves about our rights and the electoral process, ensuring that our votes are counted and our voices are heard. It is not enough to cast a ballot; we must demand integrity in the electoral process and hold those in power accountable for their actions. To combat rigging, violence, and foreign interference, we must adopt a collective approach—working together across ethnic divides to create a united front against the forces that seek to divide us. The time has come to rise above the fray, to reject the notion that our worth is defined by our tribal affiliations, and to embrace the idea that we are all Kenyans first. Only then can we dismantle the structures of manipulation that have persisted for too long, crafting a political landscape where our votes matter, and our democracy is restored.
The challenge before us is monumental, but history has shown that the collective will of the people can triumph over the most entrenched systems of oppression. As we look ahead to the next election, let us remember that the fight for a fair electoral process is not just about choosing leaders—it is about safeguarding our future, ensuring that every Kenyan has a voice, and reclaiming our democracy from the jaws of violence, rigging, and foreign interference. Because in the end, the true power lies not with the puppeteers pulling the strings but with the people who refuse to be puppets any longer.
This article was scripted by;
MIDMARK ONSONGO, SGS
(Socio-Geographic Scholar)
