Party hopping begins: Defections rise as political players position themselves for 2027 16th February, 2026Kenya’s 2027 General Election may be months away, but the political groundwork is already in motion. Across the country, 2026 is shaping up as the year of calculated realignments, quiet defections, early campaign machinery and strategic positioning that could ultimately determine the outcome long before voters cast their ballots. Behind closed-door meetings, shifting alliances and subtle public messaging, key players are laying the foundation for what is expected to be a high-stakes contest. The battle lines are forming early — and the real race may be decided well before election day.

Source: Standard Digital February 16, 2026 06:45 UTC