Political activist Morara Kebaso has urged Kenyans to rethink the financing of political campaigns, highlighting the link between high expenditure and corruption among elected leaders.
In a statement shared on social media, Kebaso noted that politicians often spend hundreds of thousands to millions of shillings daily during campaigns, creating pressure that can lead to misuse of public resources.
Kebaso emphasized that ordinary citizens should play a more active role in supporting candidates through community-driven fundraising initiatives.
He argued that reliance on large personal donations from wealthy benefactors or “handouts” fosters a sense of entitlement among politicians, which can ultimately result in corruption once they assume office.
“The culture of receiving money from politicians should end. If Kenyans collectively fund campaigns, candidates will be more accountable to the people rather than to their financiers,” Kebaso said.
He added that fundraising could cover basic campaign needs such as visibility, security, and transport, reducing the dependence on massive personal wealth.
Political campaigns in Kenya are notoriously expensive.
Past elections have seen gubernatorial candidates spend upwards of KSh 300 million, while presidential campaigns can exceed KSh 10 billion.
Kebaso also cautioned that the culture of monetary gifts or incentives during campaigns — sometimes referred to in local slang as “slayqueen babes” handouts — can erode civic responsibility and civic engagement. He urged citizens to cultivate a culture of collective support rather than passive reception of political cash.
His remarks come amid ongoing debates about campaign financing reforms and the need to increase transparency in political funding.
Advocates for reform argue that community-supported campaigns could strengthen democratic accountability and reduce the influence of moneyed interests in Kenya’s political landscape.
Kebaso’s statement underscores a growing call for practical strategies that limit the impact of money in politics while encouraging voter engagement in supporting candidates through transparent, accountable methods.