Quick Answer
Parties often join forces in coalitions to win power, and there are rules about moving between parties — including that an elected member can lose their seat for ditching the party that sponsored them.
Key facts
- Parties can form registered coalitions to contest or form government.
- Coalition agreements are deposited with the Registrar.
- An MP or MCA can lose their seat for leaving their party.
- The rules aim to discourage opportunistic switching.
Coalitions
Parties may combine into coalitions — before an election to pool support, or after one to form a government. Coalition agreements must be deposited with the Registrar of Political Parties, giving them legal standing.
The cost of defection
An elected member who resigns from, or is expelled by, the party that sponsored them generally loses their seat (Article 103 for members of Parliament, with similar rules for MCAs). Party membership is tied to the mandate.
Why this matters for stability
These rules are designed to discourage opportunistic party-hopping and keep representation honest — a leader elected on one party’s platform cannot simply carry the seat to a rival without consequence.
Why this matters to you
Coalitions decide who forms government, and defection rules decide whether your representative can abandon the platform you voted for. Both shape whether your vote keeps its meaning between elections.
Frequently asked questions
Can parties team up?
Yes — through registered coalitions, before or after an election.
What happens if an MP leaves their party?
They can lose their seat — the mandate is tied to the sponsoring party.
Why are there defection rules?
To discourage opportunistic switching and protect the voters’ mandate.
Sources & references
- Constitution of Kenya 2010, Article 103 — klrc.go.ke
- Political Parties Act, 2011 — kenyalaw.org