Kenya’s Handshake Politics: Elite Interests Masquerading as Compromise

Introduction to Handshake Politics

In recent years, Kenya’s political landscape has been significantly influenced by the phenomenon known as “handshake politics.” This term refers to the practice where political elites engage in public displays of unity, often through symbolic handshakes, to signal compromise and cooperation. However, beneath the surface, these gestures often serve the interests of the political elite rather than the broader populace.

The Illusion of Compromise

While handshake politics is presented as a means to foster national unity and political stability, it often masks underlying motives that prioritize elite interests. Key aspects include:

• Power Consolidation: Handshakes often lead to power-sharing arrangements that consolidate power among a select few, sidelining genuine democratic processes.
• Economic Interests: These political gestures frequently align with economic deals that benefit the elite, leaving the general population with little tangible improvement.
• Public Perception: The optics of unity are used to placate public unrest and create an illusion of progress, even when substantial policy changes are lacking.

Impact on Governance and Democracy

The practice of handshake politics has significant implications for governance and democracy in Kenya:

• Weakening Institutions: By prioritizing elite agreements over institutional processes, handshake politics can undermine the strength and independence of democratic institutions.
• Marginalization of Opposition: Opposition voices are often co-opted or silenced through these agreements, reducing political diversity and debate.
• Public Disillusionment: The repeated cycles of handshake politics contribute to public cynicism and disillusionment with the political system.

Conclusion: A Call for Genuine Reform

While handshake politics in Kenya is often portrayed as a step towards unity and stability, it primarily serves the interests of the political elite. For meaningful progress, there is a need for genuine reform that prioritizes democratic processes, strengthens institutions, and addresses the needs of the broader population. Only then can Kenya move beyond symbolic gestures to achieve true political and social advancement.