When Nakuru Town West MP Samwel Arama declared that he will defend his seat come 2027, the declaration made things difficult for his opponents who thought he was going for gubernatorial seat in Nyamira.
However, Arama a seasoned politician who is now serving his third term after successfully contesting the seat in 2013 and successfully defending it in 2017 and 2022 consecutively weighed on vying for gubernatorial and defending his seat in Nakuru West and chose to ye later.
Many politicians have shown interest in the Nakuru Town West Parliamentary seat come 2027 among them Engineer Victor Ngatia, Robinas Makana and perennial contestant Hezron Okiki.
However, political pundits argue that unseating the current MP Arama from the seat will not be a walk in the park.
Truth is that unseating an MP or any leader in the country is not easy.
For MP Arama, there are several factors that make it difficult for opponents to sail through.
FamousNakuru.co.ke delves into some of these factors.
Unseating a Member of Parliament (MP) is a complex process and rarely a “walk in the park” due to several factors.
These include the MP’s existing power base, resources, and the support they may command from within their constituency and party.
In this scenario, MP Arama has served three consecutive terms hence becoming like a father figure to the constituents.
Besides being a Lawmaker with salary and allowances, Arama is also a businessman and he must have been able to save for the campaigns that awaits him in 2027 giving him an upper hand.
At one past function he stated “nyinyi mnadhani sina pesa? I am a business person besides my salary as MP”
Arama has also been able to bond with constituents through his open policy where his London residential never lacks visitors who are his constituents and the Lawmaker always listens to them.
Infact, he has instructed his Wife and security to always welcome constituents and listen to their grievances as he addresses them to the best he can.
During COVID-19 pandemic, the Lawmaker made food donations to constituents winning their hearts.
His phone number has always remained open to constituents, but he always warn them not to call at late night unless it’s an emergency.
Additionally, the rules and procedures surrounding elections, potential legal challenges, and the influence of money and media can all make unseating an incumbent MP a difficult task.
The existing power base might also play key role in favour of MP Arama built through years of service, constituent outreach, and delivering on promises.
This can make it difficult for a challenger to gain traction.
Recently during issuance of bursary cheques to boarding schools and Dayschools, MP Arama told his opponents to come out clear on their development agenda rather tainting his name with baseless accusations.
It should be noted that on Bursary, Nakuru Town West NG-CDF which Arama is the patron as MP has continued to support Dayschools, Boarding and other institutions without discrimination.
The MP also through his Foundation has continued adopt some needy students na pays their fees from his own pocket.
The third term serving Lawmaker has also improved infrastructure with some roads having been lobbied through World Bank that makes Nakuru Town West Constituency look like heaven on earth through the numerous tarmacked roads for instance in London and Kaptembwa.
On matters Party Machinery, though Arama has not declared which party he will contest with come 2027, the Lawmaker has been a good political cards player since 2013.
When the wave of UDA was tough in Nakuru, Arama and his Bahati counterpart Irene Njoki managed to sail through via Jubilee ticket that was part of Azimio Coalition.
He has perfected the art of working with the government of the day even if he was not in support of the same.
For instance, he currently works with President William Ruto’s administration in what the Lawmaker says is for the sake of constituents.
“When elections are over even if I did not support you, I have no reason as an MP to work with Governor Susan Kihika and President Ruto for the sake of my constituents. Elections will come in 2027 and then as leaders we shall be judged as per our development record,” says Arama.
Besides political parties providing some funds for campaigns, MPs too may have access to campaign funds and other resources that can be used to influence voters and promote their candidacy and this MP Arama is well vast with.
In the case of Arama, another aspect that will give him upper hand than opponents is the Name Recognition and Experience: He is already known figure in Nakuru Town West Constituency, which can be a significant advantage over a less-known challenger.
Another key aspect that will propel Arama is that incumbents often receive more media attention, which can help them control the narrative and influence public perception.
Voter Loyalty and Sentiment is another aspect especially with Constituency Loyalty where voters will be loyal to their current MP.
In this case for Arama, the constituents feel that the MP has been effective in representing their interests a reason why they always refer to him as “Super MP”.
In conclusion, unseating MP Arama is a complex undertaking that requires significant effort, resources, and strategic planning by opponents.