Kenya’s political alliances are evolving, but their structure and legal framework remain a work in progress, according to John Cox Lorionokou, Registrar of Political Parties.
Speaking to Radio Generation, he said that while alliances are common, understanding how they operate under the law is crucial for accountability and clarity.
Lorionokou outlined that there are two types of alliances: coalitions and coalition political parties. A coalition is a group of parties that work together while keeping their individual identities and constitutions. In such cases, no official certificate is issued.
In contrast, a coalition political party is formally registered and recognized as a single political entity.
“When you register as a coalition political party, we actually issue a certificate as a political party. They fill candidates as a coalition, and their framework is established by a coalition agreement,” Lorionokou explained.
Coalition political parties can be formed by as few as three parties or by twenty or more. They can come togethe either before or after elections. Pre-election coalitions must submit their agreement at least three months before the poll, while post-election alliances must notify the registrar within 21 days of their formation.
At the heart of both types of alliances is the coalition agreement, which sets out how the parties will operate together. It covers leadership structures, the election of office-bearers, sharing of responsibilities if power is won, and clear rules for withdrawal or dissolution.
“They all must have an exit clause. They have to tell us, how do they get, you know, divorce, divorce, if they need to,” Lorionokou said.
This framework ensures that while parties retain their own constitutions, the coalition has a clear, binding structure to guide joint operations. The agreement is deposited at the Registrar’s office, just like any political party constitution, allowing oversight and enforcement.
With Kenya’s political landscape becoming more coalition-driven, Lorionokou said having clear rules and agreements is essential to prevent disputes and maintain order within alliances.
