Event: Kenya

Summary Article What you need to know: In areas dominated by a single political party, primaries are more competitive since securing the party ticket is as good as winning the election itself. This makes nominations emotive and highly charged. Some of Kenya's major political parties have resorted to negotiated democracy to avert sibling rivalry and nomination fallouts. Aspirants in the 2027 General Election are being quietly asked to drop their bids, while others are being persuaded to scale back their ambitions in exchange for party officials' endorsements. At the same time, other outfits have begun to confront nomination nightmares by putting in place systems and safeguards that would ensure free and credible primaries. Coalitions — which have since become a common feature in Kenya's polls — have also complicated party primaries due to demands for zoning or joint tickets in some electoral areas. Aspirants have in the past been forced to drop out following coalition talks, despite having spent millions in campaigns. In Nairobi, former Principal Secretary Irungu Nyakera has dropped his gubernatorial bid in favour of the Makadara parliamentary seat, following talks with Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua. Former Transport Principal Secretary Irungu Nyakera Photo credit: File | Nation media Group Mr Nyakera and Embakasi North MP James Gakuya are among the politicians who had declared interest in the seat on the DCP ticket. Reports indicate that more political bigwigs, including from other parties, are plotting to join the DCP for the race. Embakasi North Member of Parliament James Mwangi Gakuya. Photo credit: Dennis Onsongo | Nation Media Group "After consultations with my political mentors, and more importantly, after listening to the people of Makadara who have asked me to come home and offer myself as their Member of Parliament, I have made the decision to…