Irungu Nyakera draws parallels between popular political series House of Cards and Kenyan politics
Nairobi patron for the Democracy for Citizens’ Party (DCP) and former Kenyatta International Convention Centre board chair Irungu Nyakera has drawn comparisons between popular political drama House of Cards and Kenya’s political landscape, saying the series offers lessons on how power is pursued and exercised.
In a statement shared via his X account on Thursday, December 18, 2025, Nyakera said the show highlights how the quest for power, rather than money, often drives political actors.
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He noted that the series demonstrates how influence is built through strategy, alliances and behind-the-scenes dealings, arguing that similar dynamics can be observed in Kenyan politics.
He encouraged citizens interested in governance and leadership to watch the series, describing it as a useful reflection on how political systems can be manipulated when ambition overrides ethics and public interest.
“Just wrapped up Season 5 of House of Cards and I recommend it to anyone interested in politics and power. What struck me most about Frank Underwood is that money doesn’t interest him at all; power does. If this were a Kenyan show, we would be seeing deals being cut at State House conveniently funded by the Infrastructure Fund,” Nyakera stated.
House of Cards
House of Cards is an American political thriller that premiered on Netflix in 2013. It follows the rise of Frank Underwood, a ruthless politician who uses manipulation, intimidation and calculated alliances to climb to the highest office in the United States, alongside his equally ambitious wife, Claire.
The series explores themes such as abuse of power, political loyalty, corruption and moral compromise. Across its seasons, it depicts how institutions can be bent or broken by individuals determined to retain control, often at the expense of democratic values.
Season five of the show focuses on a tense election period and the struggle to maintain authority amid growing public and political resistance. The season continues the broader narrative of how power can consume those who seek it and the consequences that follow.
