By VERA BWIRE
Experts argue there are two dimensions of good governance: economic good governance and political good governance. Economic good governance is characterised by strong institutions that uphold property rights, promote transparency through freedom of information, and ensure effective public sector management.
These elements contribute to a stable and prosperous economic environment that fosters growth and development. It should, however, be noted that economic good governance alone is not sufficient for the overall good in Kenya. Political good governance, which focuses on the integrity of the politicians, the political system and its relationship with the governed, is equally important in delicate democracies such as ours.
Political good governance is closely tied to political legitimacy, which refers to the moral justification for an entity or an individual to exercise political power. Political legitimacy is earned and sustained through adherence to the rule of law, respect for human rights, accountability, and the promotion of democratic governance.
For instance, when our political leaders demonstrate accountability, uphold the principles of democracy, and respect the will of the people, they reinforce their political legitimacy. Without this, their legitimacy is compromised, and legitimacy is central to maintaining trust and support from the public.
An entity is said to have political legitimacy only if it can morally justify its use of political power. This justification is reflected in a leader or government's actions. Political leaders, therefore, must strive to be seen as both capable and trustworthy stewards of the public's interest. If they fail to meet these expectations, their political legitimacy comes into question, eroding public trust and compromising the stability of their governance potential.
In our case, for instance, Deputy President Gachagua has repeatedly tested the patience of the public, which has over and over risked the erosion of his political legitimacy. From the early days of his tenure, Gachagua exhibited behaviours that many perceived as undermining the principles of good political governance.
For example, shortly after his election, Gachagua publicly reminded Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja that he owed his political victory to Gachagua’s strongest supporters, inciting Nairobi traders against the county Government. This remark sparked controversy, as it implied that electoral success was more about personal loyalties than a democratic process driven by the will of the people. Such statements challenge the democratic norms that are vital for political legitimacy.
Moreover, Gachagua’s use of the 'Murima' narrative, which emphasises regionalism and identity politics, further compromises his standing in the eyes of many Kenyans. By engaging in divisive narratives quite often, Gachagua has demonstrated a form of political governance that is seen as self-serving rather than focused on the common good, which is important for the sake of national unity and long-term stability.
Gachagua’s actions have drawn criticism for appearing to undermine the spirit of national unity and respect for diverse political perspectives. This erosion of legitimacy has broader implications, not only for his individual standing but for the trust in our nation’s political institutions as a whole. When political leaders, and there are more like Gachagua, engage in behaviour that seems to prioritise their own power or the interests of a select few over those of the broader public, they risk undermining the very foundations of good governance.
Political legitimacy cannot be undermined and is crucial for ensuring that political good governance thrives. When political leaders like Deputy President Gachagua appear to deviate from these principles and compromise their legitimacy, ultimately leading to diminished trust from the public and weakening the overall fabric of governance. With Gachagua serving as an example of how one can compromise his or her legitimacy, political leaders should prioritise legitimacy to uphold the integrity of governance and foster a political system that benefits all citizens in an equal way and does not regionalise politics.
Writer us a Democracy Support Researcher and Scholar, [email protected]
