“Coalitions Will Determine 2027 More Than These By-Election" Sen Oketch Remarks Amid Rising Question

As the country prepares for the upcoming by-elections, many people are asking whether the results will signal what to expect in the 2027 General Election.

While the by-elections have attracted national attention, Senator Eddy Oketch believes their outcome may not fully determine the country’s political direction.

According to him, the forces shaping 2027 run much deeper than these mini-polls.

Senator Oketch argues that Kenya is entering a new political moment, especially after the death of Raila Odinga, a figure whose influence shaped national politics for decades.

He says Raila’s absence will leave a gap that cannot be ignored, and the effects will be felt across parties and regions.

Raila’s role as a unifying force, especially within the opposition, means that political groups will now have to reorganize themselves, redefine their strategies, and establish new leadership structures.

Despite the loud conversations surrounding the by-elections, Senator Oketch insists that the real contest for 2027 will be decided by coalition building.

He believes parties will not win national power on their own, no matter their size or popularity. Instead, strong alliances will be the key to securing support across the country.

He points out that Kenya’s politics is shifting toward broader partnerships, where parties come together not only to share votes but also to share ideas, plans, and responsibilities.

He further explains that while by-elections offer useful hints about local political moods, they cannot reflect the larger national picture.

Most by-elections involve specific community interests, local rivalries, and unique regional concerns.