Why some would kill to become MPs in East Africa

Politicians will pawn land, empty savings, take loans, sell homes, all for the golden ticket.

Photo credit: Nation Media Group

Tanzania and Uganda are headed for general elections in the next few months, setting the stage for a bruising electioneering season that has also put the ruling parties to the test on internal democracy.

Kenya is also warming up for 2027, a do-or-die event that is billed to change the country – for better or worse. As such, the ruling party, United Democratic Alliance (which is in a coalition called Kenya Kwanza) is already on tenterhooks, with its top leadership fighting to keep the ship afloat.