Not every political party should field a presidential candidate in a general election, a politician has cautioned. Stephen Mwangi, a Limuru parliamentary aspirant popularly known as “Wamaconnection,” stated that while it is a democratic right for a party to field a candidate, its delegates must consider the broader implications.
Mwangi, who is eyeing the Limuru parliamentary seat, warned Mt. Kenya residents against being divided by the various presidential candidates visiting the region. He advised them to remain united and maintain peace, even as they welcome those seeking their support.
However, he warned that President William Ruto could easily secure re-election in 2027 if too many strong presidential candidates emerge and split the vote.
“It is a constitutional right for a party to have a presidential candidate. However, if there are too many candidates and they all receive significant support, they will divide the votes in vote-rich areas. In that situation, President Ruto will return to office easily,” he said.
Speaking in Limuru town, Kiambu County, Mwangi—who previously contested the Limuru Central MCA seat as an independent candidate but lost to Josephine Nduta of the UDA party—noted that the 2027 general elections will be a challenge.
He predicted that politicians would face a difficult landscape as the electorate shifts toward electing individuals based on merit rather than party popularity. He noted that while prominent and daring politicians secured by popular party nominations might be lucky, those relying solely on a party ticket without personal popularity may lose.
“Locals are saying that while the previous election saw many regions electing leaders based on party affiliation, this time around, politicians who are approachable, available, and development-minded will be the ones elected,” Mwangi added.
Stephen Njoroge, a Limuru resident, echoed these sentiments, stating that locals are now more enlightened and will not be compromised by politicians.
“Those who compromise the people usually resort to dishing out money instead of lobbying for development,” Njoroge said.
