Why holding presidential elections does not make sense anymore

Kanu Chairman Gideon Moi and President William Ruto after a meeting at State House, Nairobi, on October 9, 2025.[PCS]

The Broad-Based Government just got broader with the entry of Kanu as the newest political outfit to declare their intention to work with the current administration. I guess it is a good thing that our leaders are keen on collaboration and cooperation rather than confrontation and competition for the greater good of the country. But beyond the veil of ‘tranquility and development’ that these alliances project, perhaps it is time we rethink our elections, particularly presidential elections, and save the country the hassle of going to the ballot every five years to make choices that hardly survive to the next general election.

In 2022, Kenya spent about Sh36 billion on the general election that saw the current government rise to power. That is roughly the annual development budget of several ministries combined. Yet, just weeks after the elections, parties and politicians who had fiercely campaigned against the same government brazenly made their way to the seat of power to pledge allegiance to the government of the day. Since then, we have seen many more declare support, watched parties fold and others sign MoUs that basically stated they were, in all sense but name, part of government.