From Mbeere North, to Kasipul, to Kariobangi North, to Narok Town, to Baringo, to Banisa and other areas, aspirants have finally harvested what they sowed.

Some sowed the seed of discord, pride and arrogance, while others sowed humility, listening ears, and now it is their time to smile.

Many candidates often forget that any ambition is officially closed after the last vote is verified by the IEBC, while to some, campaign rallies alone feel good enough to guarantee victory.

The recently concluded November 27 by-elections have once again revealed painful truths about common campaign mistakes that silently sink even the most promising candidates.

Get to know the 5 mistakes candidates make in any election.

1. Weak investment in vote protection

Many candidates focus heavily on posters, vehicles, rallies and social media visibility but neglect vote protection.

Deploying one or two agents per polling station is simply not enough in a competitive race.

Serious candidates understand that the ballot must be protected from the moment it is cast to the moment it is declared.

Also watch: MP Peter Kaluma attacked in Kasipul as by-election turns violent

Where possible, having multiple trained agents per station ensures transparency, accountability and timely reporting.

Without a strong ground presence, your victory can disappear silently even before you realise it.

2. Overconfidence driven by campaign hype

Crowds can be deceiving. Loud cheers, packed rallies and trending videos easily create an illusion of guaranteed success. This hype quietly breeds overconfidence.

A candidate begins to relax, assumes the job is done, and reduces ground effort. But elections are not won by microphones and slogans.

Also watch: Chaos erupts in Kanyuambora as residents block CS Ruku from entering polling station

They are won by disciplined strategy and voter turnout. It is possible to fill a field and still lose the ballot.

3. Admitting vote rigging

One of the most damaging mistakes is entering the race already convinced that the election will be stolen by your opponent.

Openly saying so before voting day weakens your integrity. It sends a message that you lack confidence in your own process and model.

While rigging allegations may sometimes arise, planting the narrative early only kills morale and prepares your supporters for defeat instead of resilience.

More importantly, if they truly feared your side enough to manipulate the process, that fear itself reflects your strength. And the truth remains, manipulation cannot survive forever.

4. Running without a command centre

A command centre is the brain of any serious campaign. It is where verification, communication and data tracking happen. A candidate without one is walking blind.

A proper command centre enables parallel tallying, coordinated messaging and real-time feedback from agents on the ground.

It also calms supporters and prevents panic during tense moments. Without it, rumours spread fast, anxiety rises, and confusion weakens your strategy.

5. Arrogance and rejection

Leadership is not about being loud. It is about listening. Some candidates become abrasive, dismissive and defensive toward genuine advice, assuming their position places them above correction.

Ironically, voters may end up supporting an opponent they dislike simply because that opponent is more accommodating, respectful and approachable.

Also watch: DAP-K’s Wamalwa blames state-backed groups for attacks, electoral disruptions

Constant aggression repels even loyal supporters. No one votes for someone who makes them feel small.

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