Democracy, they say, is a system of governance where power to govern is granted by the governed. So, it’s ironic when citizens complain about the emergence of new political contenders because the ideal is that more choices should be welcomed, not feared. Fred Matiang’i’s entry into the political fray has clearly unsettled Kenya’s legacy politicians. Not necessarily because he’s a front-runner, but because his presence chips away at voting blocs these politicians have long considered their own.

This discomfort is evident among leaders from the current regime, including the President’s inner circle, key bureaucrats, and even the People’s Loyal Opposition. Their unease stems from how Matiang’i has re-energised Gusii political leadership, suggesting a possible exodus of this voting bloc from its traditional alignments. With Mt Kenya already lost by the Kenya Kwanza regime and the hope of consolidating Baba’s support base fading, Matiang’i’s entry may disrupt the broad-based coalition’s political arithmetic, potentially dealing a major blow to their 2027 strategic alliance.

The Loyal Opposition is equally uneasy. Even united behind one candidate, Matiang’i injects a fresh and unpredictable dynamic. Those who assumed front-runner status must now grapple with a contender who is neither from the old guard nor entirely an outsider.

For the electorate, however, this is welcome. Since last year’s Gen Z-led protests, there has been a visible shift in how this regime handles issues, with a conspicuous scrambling to respond to matters affecting the common mwananchi. With more political players challenging the status quo, real reform feels increasingly possible.

Consider the housing levy, widely seen as anchored on draconian law, with stories of wealthy individuals flipping “affordable” housing units to poor buyers. This exemplifies what is wrong with the self-proclaimed hustler regime. In contrast, Matiang’i’s no-nonsense approach makes political and moral sense against such failures where the poor suffer while the rich reap benefits.

Kenyans should embrace more options in the political arena. It pushes all politicians to differentiate their offers, putting citizens in a position to be served better. The regime should welcome this competition.

And even dissenting voices in the broad-based coalition are healthy for democracy. When figures like Governor James Orengo speak truth to power, they are not betraying the movement. They are enriching it. If we are to be true to the spirit of broad-based politics, we must also be broad in accommodating critique, especially when things are not going well. That’s how reform coalitions remain alive, honest, and accountable.

We are entering a privileged space where plurality brings diverse ideas on addressing the plight of the majority poor. The more serious contenders we have ahead of 2027, the more pressure there will be to differentiate on substance. This benefits the electorate. Differentiation breeds better choices, better choices build stronger democracies, and stronger democracies give people the power to choose the best governors.

The writer is a media studies Researcher