PoliticsJuly 15, 2026

incumbency

/ɪnˈkʌm.bən.si/

Definition

The state of holding a political office, or the period during which an individual is in possession of that power.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'incumbere', meaning to lean or lie upon. It entered English to describe the act of holding an office or duty as something one 'lies' upon or occupies.

In the news

In this article, 'the incumbency' refers to President William Ruto and his ruling coalition, identifying them as a primary political constituency that benefits from the administrative advantages of currently holding power.

Mapping Political Actors in Kenya’s 2027 General Elections

Read the full article ↗

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