BEN MULWA: Why Majority of Politicians Might Step Down Ahead of 2027 Elections

Political strategist and governance analyst Ben Mulwa has issued a stern warning about Kenya’s democratic future, claiming that the conduct witnessed in recent by-elections could discourage many aspiring leaders from contesting in 2027.

Speaking in reference to the Mbeere North and Malava by-elections, Ben Mulwa said that the alleged deployment of state machinery to intimidate candidates and voters signals a worrying trend that could undermine the country’s political competitiveness.

Ben Mulwa stated that if the pattern observed during the recent mini-polls reflects the government’s intended approach for the 2027 General Election, then many politicians—especially newcomers—may choose to step back rather than confront an atmosphere of fear and coercion.

“If the deployment of government machinery to intimidate, like we saw in Mbeere and Malava, is what the government seeks to pursue in 2027, then every Kenyan seeking to participate in the elections has reason to worry,” he cautioned.

During the by-elections, several parties and independent candidates raised complaints over alleged intimidation, surveillance, and undue interference, prompting national debate about the impartiality of state institutions.

Ben Mulwa said such actions erode public confidence in the electoral process and reduce the willingness of qualified leaders to subject themselves to what he termed “politically engineered hostility.”

He added that politics should be a platform of ideas, not a battleground where state power is weaponised against legitimate contenders.

According to Mulwa, the integrity of elections is only guaranteed when all competitors can participate freely without fear of harassment or state-sponsored intimidation.

A decline in aspirants due to fear could narrow democratic choices, increase voter apathy, and tilt the political field in favour of those aligned with state power.

This scenario, Mulwa warned, could fundamentally weaken the democratic fabric of the nation.

Ben Mulwa urged oversight institutions—including the IEBC, security agencies, and judiciary—to demonstrate firm independence ahead of the 2027 elections.

He argued that restoring confidence requires clear boundaries between the government’s administrative duties and political competition.