Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) are crucial community-based financial institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa. Their operation, particularly regarding savings liquidity, is often analysed through socio-economic lenses, but the influence of political cycles remains under-explored. This perspective piece examines how national electoral cycles influence the savings withdrawal behaviours of VSLA members, arguing that political economy factors are significant yet overlooked drivers of liquidity fluctuations. The analysis synthesises longitudinal field observations and qualitative interview data from multiple VSLA groups, applying a political economy framework to interpret patterns of financial behaviour. A clear pattern of accelerated savings withdrawals emerges in the months preceding a national election, with a notable theme of funds being diverted to support political canvassing activities and household consumption in anticipation of political patronage. Electoral periods introduce distinct, politically-induced liquidity shocks to VSLAs, challenging the assumption that their operations are insulated from broader political dynamics. VSLA federations and supporting NGOs should develop contingency plans and member education programmes to mitigate liquidity risks associated with electoral cycles. Policymakers should consider these patterns when regulating community finance. Village Savings and Loan Associations, political economy, electoral cycles, liquidity management, financial behaviour, Kenya This paper provides a novel political economy mechanism explaining periodic liquidity stress in VSLAs, demonstrating that withdrawal surges are strategically timed to electoral events rather than being random or solely needs-based.