The just concluded by-elections across the country were to many political observers, a precursor to next year's March 4th General Election. The National Alliance party (TNA)'s triumph in Kangema and Kajiado North constituencies, as well as in 5 wards, and ODM's win in Ndhiwa constituency has triggered interest, as the 2013 polls draw closer. While Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta glows in TNA's glory, his counterpart in the coalition government Musalia Mudavadi and Eldoret North MP William Ruto suffered setbacks in their political backyards. Francis Gachuri examines the implications of the by-elections' outcome.