How to rescue Kenya's opposition and oversight role after the polls

Opposition bigwigs Kalonzo Musyoka flanked by Rigathi Gachagua, Fred Matiang'i, Martha Karua and Eugene Wamalwa dance to a Maasai tune during an Interdenominational thanks giving and prayer at Wamunyoro in Nyeri County on May 04, 2025. [File, Standard]

Kenya’s opposition parties have collapsed into a predictable and destructive ritual. Their leaders thunder that the sole purpose of a political party is to form the government a valid point yet they make no serious plans for the far more common outcome: losing.

When the votes are counted and they fall short, most rush to kowtow to the Executive through handshakes, board appointments, and bloated coalitions.