Poor party leadership not good for democracy

Our political parties' leadership is a reflection of the national leadership. A lack of democracy within parties denotes a similar lack at the national level.

Internal party wars and machinations within the two major political parties in the country show a lack of focused, democratic and principled leadership.

While the goings-on in CORD suggest a party torn apart by internal wrangles, in Jubilee there appears to be a lack of individual freedom to express one's mind and exercise the freedom of choice.

As evidenced by events that have played out in public in the recent past, there seems to be internal coercion within the parties and those who step outside the line face punitive sanctions.

It seems MPs allied to a party must toe the party line irrespective of whether they agree with it in principle or not.

The Leader of the Majority in Parliament has on several occasions made it clear that the legislators allied to the ruling Jubilee coalition are either with it or with the Opposition.

Despite all appearances, there is internal strife within the Orange Democratic Movement pitting two factions against each other. Rather than find solutions to their problems, the party leadership finds it easier to blame the media.

After the party's shambolic elections early this year, it is yet to regain its balance. Yet it needs to exorcise the demons of the bungled polls and allow for democracy to prevail.

Events surrounding the failed attempt to impeach the Cabinet Secretary for Devolution; the Gatundu South parliamentary by-election and the current Pesa Mashinani referendum push by governors signify lack of democracy within the parties.

Whereas Jubilee governors had previously and publicly expressed solidarity with their colleagues, after a hastily convened party meeting, they changed their stand in much the same way that Mithika Linturi, the mover of the intended impeachment against Anne Waiguru, did.

The reason has always been not to antagonise the President. Cord has also adopted a similar line exhorting governors allied to it to support the push for a referendum on the Constitution.

It is generally observed that without democracy in parties, there can never be democracy in national leadership. Individuals who have been denied their freedoms cannot allow others the same freedoms. The country is crying out for democratic space and focused leadership away from party and individual loyalties.