Parties opt for back-room deals as by-elections near
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The upcoming by-elections are being used as a critical testing ground for the 2027 General Elections, with major parties employing "negotiated democracy" to consolidate power.
In the lead-up to the upcoming 23 by-elections, major political parties, including the ruling UDA and the opposition ODM, are employing a strategy of 'negotiated democracy' to boost their chances of winning by encouraging some candidates to withdraw.
This has created significant internal tensions and acrimony, with some candidates, such as Duncan Mbui in Mbeere North, rejecting the party's decision and choosing to run as independents. This challenges the established alliances.
These by-elections are highly significant and are being viewed as a litmus test for the 2027 general election, with political leaders such as President William Ruto and former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua using them to assess their influence and consolidate their power bases.
Major political parties have resorted to negotiated democracy in preparations for the upcoming by-elections that are shaping up as a high-stakes contest and a testing ground for the 2027 General Elections.
Parties in both the broad-based government and the united opposition have started prevailing upon aspirants to drop out of the polls in favour of their colleagues perceived to be more popular in a scheme aimed at boosting the outfits’ chances of winning in the 23 electoral areas.
President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) of Raila Odinga have resorted to the scheme in their effort to reaffirm themselves as the most influential politicians in the country.
