Kenya faces a period of shifting political alliances

Subject

Political realignments in Kenya.

Significance

Recent weeks have seen significant turbulence in Kenyan politics as President Uhuru Kenyatta has moved to reassert control over the ruling Jubilee Party, by strengthening relations with other political parties while sidelining Deputy President William Ruto and his allies.

Impacts

• Kenyatta is now in a strong position to push changes through parliament and, if needed, mobilise support in a constitutional referendum.
• Several key opposition figures are now effectively working with the government, which will weaken the role of the official opposition.
• Opposition will stay lively as Ruto’s allies protest, socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic bite and electoral politics heat up.