As political parties begin signalling alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections, Thirdway Alliance leader Ekuru Aukot has challenged the legitimacy and purpose of political coalitions in Kenya.
Speaking on Thursday during a Citizen TV interview, Aukot described the alliances as self-serving and disconnected from the needs of ordinary Kenyans.
“Political coalitions in Kenya are fraudulent ventures. They exist to survive at the expense of Kenyans. Everything they do is driven by political self-preservation, and in the end, it is the people who suffer, as they are denied proper representation,” Aukot said.
The Thirdway leader argued that the focus of most coalitions is not national service but the retention of political power.
He warned that this focus undermines democracy and leaves citizens without meaningful representation.
“My problem with the character and nature of today’s coalitions is that those forming them are more concerned with retaining power than with serving the purpose for which they were elected,” Aukot added.
He further questioned the impact of political alliances, urging citizens and political actors to critically examine their purpose and outcomes.
“When people talk about coalitions, we must ask: what is their purpose, what have they achieved, and what is the outcome? If it isn’t serving the people of Kenya, then it is not meaningful,” he said.
Aukot’s remarks come as the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) explore precoalition arrangements, signalling the early stages of alliance-building for the next elections.
While coalitions can consolidate political strength, critics argue that they often prioritize negotiations over policies, sidelining governance and accountability.
The Thirdway Alliance leader’s comments reflect growing public frustration with coalition politics, which many Kenyans see as focused on elite interests rather than delivering solutions to everyday challenges.
Aukot called for alliances that genuinely serve citizens and urged political parties to prioritize service over self-preservation as the country approaches a pivotal electoral cycle.