Winning a political seat in Kenya requires strategies, deep pockets, the strength of the political party in the ground, who is your political godfather not limited to how the contestant sells himself or herself to the voters.
Often we have seen well-connected people losing elections to least known individuals.
These are some of the tactics Kenyan politicians have hitherto used to win the coveted political seats;
1. Identifying with voters
Votes come from voters, politicians are known to be affluent people who shun mixing with people from lower social classes. However, some politicians have learnt the trick, they freely mingle with people and on the voting day, these people queue for hours to cast their votes to "humble mheshiwa" who knows their problems. Ask Sonko, Waititu and Paul Mwirigi and you will be lectured fully how this tactic yields fruits.
2. Political party influence
Strength of a political party in a region determines one's possibility of winning a political seat. This explains why winning a parliamentary seat in Kisumu using Jubilee Party ticket is a hilly task. In these areas, much emphasis is placed on party primaries, once you get a nomination certificate, hurrah! You are one leg-stride from Parliament.
3. Relationship with party "lord"
Close associates to party boss get an upper hand during an election, their closeness is interpreted as loyalty by voters thus they reward him/her handsomely come election day. Siaya Senator James Orengo put the least fight to retain his seat but he maintained it anyway.
4. Mercies from voters
This is prevalent when a politician dies while in office, a member of kin gets elected as a consolation reward to the family from the voters. Some politicians, however, have taken it a notch higher by kidnapping themselves and laying blame on their opponents to get mercy from the voters.