As political parties position themselves for the 2027 general election,
the temptation to carve out exclusive electoral territories is growing.
Some believe certain counties are their natural strongholds and should remain out of bounds to rival parties a thinking that belongs to the past.
Kenya is a multiparty democracy, not a collection of political fiefdoms. No party owns a county, community or voting bloc. Neither should political leaders presume to dictate which candidates voters can choose from.
Political zoning undermines democracy by denying voters alternatives and shielding parties and candidates from meaningful competition. It also entrenches ethnic and regional divisions at a time when the country should be building national political movements.
Parties confident of their popularity should have no reason to fear competition. Indeed, their strength should be tested at the ballot, not protected through boardroom agreements that effectively disenfranchise supporters of competing formations.
Political alliances are legitimate, but they must not become instruments for restricting democratic choice or imposing candidates on unwilling electorates.
As 2027 approaches, every party must be free to campaign and field candidates in all 47 counties.
Ultimately, it is voters, not political kingpins, who must decide who represents them. Kenya must outgrow territorial politics.
