Money Will Not Win Elections in Kenya in 2027

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By Micah Mukhwana Sikuku

Vote buying is not new in Kenya. It has existed since the return of multiparty democracy in the early 1990s, like in the 1992 and 1997 General Elections where candidates were widely accused of using cash and gifts to influence voters. During every election cycle, stories emerge of politicians distributing cash, food, clothing and other gifts to persuade voters. Many candidates have treated elections like auctions where the highest bidder is expected to win. While these tactics have influenced some elections, with allegations of vote buying widely reported during the 2013 and 2017 presidential contests involving Uhuru Kenyatta and the late Raila Odinga, Kenya's political landscape is changing. Voters are becoming more informed, more connected and increasingly interested in leadership, accountability and ideas rather than short-term rewards. Social media platforms like X, formerly Twitter, civic education and movements such as the 2024 Finance Bill protests have made many Kenyans more issue-driven than before.

The recent Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election offers an important lesson. Throughout the campaign period, there were widespread allegations of voter bribery, cash handouts, distribution of household items like gas and misuse of public resources. Election observers, civil society organisations and human rights groups raised concerns that such practices threatened the credibility of the election. Yet despite these allegations, the final outcome, which saw the DCP party candidate win the election, reminded politicians, especially the UDA party that was alleged to bribe voters, that money alone cannot guarantee victory. Elections are ultimately decided in the ballot box, a secret ballot to be specific, and not at the point where cash changes hands. Ol Kalou Constituency demonstrated that voters can still exercise independent judgment despite intense financial influence, including cash handouts ranging from KSh200 to over KSh5,000, distribution of gas cylinders, mattresses and other household items, and the use of '330 meetings', where KSh1,000 was reportedly shared among three voters.

I was shocked by what happened in Bungoma, my home county, and this too caught my attention. A video circulating widely on social media around July 28, 2026 appears to show Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa throwing money to members of the public during a political event in Tongaren Constituency, Bungoma. Whether or not such incidents amount to election offences is for the relevant authorities like IEBC, EACC and ODPP to determine after proper investigations. However, the public reaction, especially from netizens, tells an important story: Kenyans are increasingly questioning political leaders who rely on cash handouts instead of presenting practical solutions to unemployment, the high cost of living, healthcare and education. In this case, many Kenyans condemned the incident online through platforms such as X, formerly Twitter, as a form of vote buying that undermines democracy and treats voters as commodities rather than citizens with the power to make informed choices. Ol Kalou voter bribery was also condemned by Kenyans online, and the way voters decided to cast their ballot in Ol Kalou underscored their power to make informed choices despite voter bribery and influence.

This growing awareness should encourage the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to take a firmer approach before the 2027 General Election. Kenya already has laws that criminalise voter bribery and other forms of improper influence, like the Election Offences Act, 2016, which prohibits giving or receiving money to influence voting. The challenge has often been enforcement rather than legislation. The IEBC should investigate complaints promptly, work closely with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, and take action against candidates like Didmus Barasa who violated the Electoral Code of Conduct. Consistent enforcement will strengthen public confidence and discourage candidates from treating elections as commercial transactions.

Botswana is an example of an African country that has consistently maintained some of the continent's most credible elections through strong institutions, effective law enforcement and public confidence in the electoral process. For example, Botswana's 2019 General Election showed that strong institutions can reduce voter bribery. There were few credible allegations of widespread vote buying, and campaigns focused more on party manifestos and policy than cash handouts. Ghana has also strengthened electoral integrity by empowering an independent Electoral Commission, promoting civic education and encouraging active election observation by civil society organisations. For example, during Ghana's 2020 General Election, the Electoral Commission of Ghana intensified nationwide voter education while the Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) deployed thousands of observers to monitor polling stations, helping deter voter bribery and strengthen public confidence. Even if no country has completely eliminated voter bribery, especially in Africa, Botswana and Ghana prove that stronger institutions and informed citizens can significantly reduce the influence of voter bribery.

The greatest weapon against voter bribery is an informed voter. Citizens who understand the value of their vote are less likely to exchange five years of representation for a small amount of money like Sh200. Civic education should therefore become a continuous process rather than an activity conducted only a few months before elections. Schools, religious institutions, the media, civil society organisations like Mzalendo and political parties like Safina Party all have a responsibility to educate citizens about their constitutional rights and democratic responsibilities.

Political parties must also change their approach. Instead of investing millions in handouts like the way UDA party did in Ol Kalou by-elections in July 2026, they should instead invest in policy development, public debates for idea sharing and issue-based campaigns on education, manufacturing and healthcare. Kenyans want leaders who can explain how they will create jobs, improve healthcare, strengthen education, fix roads, support businesses and fight or eradicate corruption. Elections should become competitions of ideas rather than competitions of financial strength.

The 2027 General Election may become one of Kenya's most closely watched elections in the world. Economic pressures, a youthful population and widespread access to digital information have changed how many citizens evaluate political leaders by holding them accountable through social media platforms like X, formerly Twitter, and with the famous 'kuwasalimia' by sharing their numbers and bombarding them with accountability questions. Money may still influence some voters, but it is unlikely to overcome widespread dissatisfaction with poor governance or compensate for the absence of credible ideas. Politicians who believe cash alone can secure victory risk learning the same lesson witnessed in the just-concluded Ol Kalou by-elections. Moreover, it does not add up for a politician to bribe me so that I can vote for him or her, only for this individual to compensate himself or herself later using money that is meant to improve education, health and build industries.

Kenya's democracy will become stronger when voters choose leaders based on competence, integrity and practical solutions rather than temporary rewards like Sh200 during campaigns. Vote buying may purchase attention for a few minutes, but it cannot buy genuine public trust. Yes, you can buy crowds like UDA party did in Ol Kalou, but the crowd will vote for their preferred candidate. In 2027, the candidates who listen to citizens, present realistic policies and demonstrate accountable leadership are more likely to earn lasting support than those who simply distribute money like Sh200, like Didmus Barasa did in Tongaren Constituency, Bungoma. Democracy should never be for sale.

About the Author

Micah Mukhwana Sikuku is a Paralegal, a Civic Educator and aspiring MCA for Clay City Ward, Kasarani Constituency in 2027.