what is this power sharing deal about that Kenya Kwanza government before coming to office

The political scene in Kenya has been heating up lately with increasing tensions between different factions within the ruling Kenya Kwanza (KK) government. One of the recent flashpoints is the debate surrounding the alleged impeachment efforts against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Western Kenyan politicians have found themselves at the forefront of this movement, citing numerous grievances about his leadership style and his recent remarks regarding the Kenya Kwanza power-sharing deal.

Gachagua, known for his hardline stance, recently made controversial remarks regarding a pre-election power-sharing agreement, which supposedly promised the Luhya community a range of benefits, including the construction of 1,000 kilometers of tarmac roads. However, his critics argue that none of these promises have materialized. Specifically, they point to the stalled Misikhu-Matunda road project, a vital infrastructure plan that has been mired in delays. The frustration in the region has been palpable, and it seems to be fueling the political discourse.

The Promised 1,000 km Tarmac Road: A Hollow Promise?

One of the key issues raised by Gachagua’s critics is the unmet promise of constructing 1,000 kilometers of tarmac roads in the Luhya region. Infrastructure development has always been a core component of political campaigns in Kenya, with roads symbolizing progress and economic prosperity. Yet, in this case, it appears that the promises made have not been followed through.

The Misikhu-Matunda road, for instance, was supposed to be a game-changer for the local economy, enhancing transport and trade in the area. Unfortunately, this project, like many others in the region, remains incomplete. The lack of tangible progress has not only angered local residents but has also led to growing disillusionment with the Kenya Kwanza government.

The Western politicians supporting the impeachment motion argue that Gachagua’s leadership has failed to prioritize these essential development projects. The initial excitement that accompanied the announcement of the roads has now turned into disappointment, with local citizens questioning whether the power-sharing deal was ever meant to benefit them.

Employment Opportunities: Who Has Benefited?

Another contentious issue that has been raised in the impeachment debate is the question of employment opportunities promised to the Luhya community. The pre-election deal reportedly included a commitment to allocate 30% of government jobs to the region. However, critics are quick to point out that this promise, too, has gone unfulfilled.

So far, it seems that only a select few, mostly the kinsmen of influential politicians, have benefited from employment opportunities. This issue cuts across the entire political landscape of Kenya, where nepotism and cronyism have long plagued the distribution of public jobs. The very few who have managed to secure these positions are often connected to powerful political figures, leaving the majority of the community feeling left out and betrayed.

The problem, as some political observers have noted, is not just Gachagua’s leadership, but a systemic issue within the government that favors political loyalty over meritocracy. The politicians backing the impeachment argue that unless this culture of nepotism is addressed, the majority of the Luhya community will continue to be marginalized in terms of employment opportunities.

The Call for Politicians to "Walk the Talk"

One of the most resounding criticisms coming from Western politicians and their constituents is the perception that their elected leaders have failed to deliver on the promises made during the campaign. The phrase "walk the talk" has been repeated by many citizens who feel disillusioned with the current state of affairs. They argue that politicians should not only make lofty promises but also work diligently to fulfill them once elected into office.

This sentiment has been directed not only at Gachagua but at politicians across the board. Many MPs, governors, and senators have been accused of engaging in rhetoric without taking concrete action. The stalled road projects, the unmet employment quotas, and the general sense of neglect in the region all point to a failure in governance.

For the Luhya community, which has historically felt politically marginalized, these unfulfilled promises serve as a painful reminder of how political elites often take advantage of their support without delivering tangible results. As the impeachment debate heats up, there is a growing call for elected leaders to be held accountable and to put the needs of their constituents ahead of personal or political interests.

The National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) Debate

A related issue that has emerged in the political discourse surrounding Gachagua’s potential impeachment is the role of the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF). Some politicians have argued that NG-CDF is unconstitutional and should be scrapped off, while others maintain that it plays a crucial role in grassroots development.

The NG-CDF is a fund allocated to Members of Parliament to support community projects within their constituencies. In theory, it is meant to enhance development and improve the lives of local citizens. However, the fund has been plagued by allegations of mismanagement, corruption, and favoritism. Some Western politicians have argued that before they can support any broader reforms within the Kenya Kwanza government, MPs must first agree to scrap the NG-CDF, which they claim has been used as a tool for self-enrichment rather than for the betterment of their communities.

This debate highlights a fundamental issue in Kenyan politics: the struggle to balance national development with local interests. While NG-CDF was initially designed to address this challenge, it has become a lightning rod for controversy, with many questioning its effectiveness and legitimacy. If politicians are serious about reforming governance and addressing corruption, they must first acknowledge the failures of initiatives like NG-CDF and propose meaningful alternatives.

A Systemic Failure?

The impeachment motion against Gachagua, while rooted in specific grievances, also reflects broader systemic failures within the Kenya Kwanza government. The unmet promises of infrastructure development, the lack of employment opportunities, and the ongoing debate over NG-CDF all point to a government that is struggling to meet the needs of its citizens.

Western politicians, in pushing for Gachagua’s impeachment, are essentially calling for a reevaluation of the Kenya Kwanza leadership’s priorities. They argue that the Luhya community, which supported the government in the 2022 election, has been shortchanged and deserves better representation and services.

However, it is worth noting that these criticisms are not unique to Gachagua or the current government. Across Kenya’s political landscape, there are numerous examples of politicians failing to deliver on their promises once in office. The challenge for voters and civil society is to hold these leaders accountable and demand greater transparency, accountability, and performance from their elected representatives.

The Way Forward

As the impeachment debate unfolds, it is clear that the Luhya community and Western politicians are at a crossroads. While they may feel justifiably aggrieved by the Kenya Kwanza government’s failures, it is also important for them to consider what concrete steps can be taken to address these issues.

First and foremost, there must be a concerted effort to ensure that the promised infrastructure projects, such as the Misikhu-Matunda road, are completed. Additionally, the government must take seriously its commitment to providing employment opportunities for all citizens, not just the politically connected.

Lastly, the ongoing debate about NG-CDF should not be ignored. While the fund has played a vital role in grassroots development, it is clear that reforms are needed to ensure that it is used effectively and transparently.

The political tensions surrounding Gachagua’s potential impeachment are symptomatic of deeper issues within Kenyan politics. Western politicians and their constituents have valid concerns about the unmet promises of the Kenya Kwanza government. However, to move forward, there must be a focus on concrete actions, accountability, and governance reforms that benefit all citizens, not just the political elite.