By CRAZY MONDAY TEAM
Politicians are an interesting lot as history proves. When one of them dies, either a spouse or a son of the late must inherit the seat.
There is nothing wrong with that, especially if the candidate is the people’s choice. Sadly, in most instances, the candidate is forced down on the electorate and democracy is stifled as politicians seek to create a dynasty of sorts. Well, perhaps it is a case of being shortsighted, since candidates only triumph in by-elections, majority of them never return to Parliament. But politicians can borrow a leaf from sports, where families have created dynasties without attracting a horde of enemies.
Take the case of the Wanyamas, without doubt Kenya’s most successful sporting family. Save for cricket and athletics, the Wanyama’s have footprints in most balls games, the conspicuous one being football. If you did not know, there is a Wanyama in netball and basketball and besides, Mariga (Inter Milan FC) and Victor (Southampton FC), there is Thomas (Sofapaka FC), Sylvester (Sony FC) and Harry (Country Bus FC).
Now, that is a true dynasty. How many politicians’ sons and wives (of course, no daughters) have found themselves in the cold after winning by-elections?
