What Should Wanjikus Expect from Political Aspirants?

By Micah Mukhwana Sikuku 

|Image Courtesy of soko directory|

As Kenya approaches the 2027 General Election, Wanjikus must ask an important question: what should we expect from those seeking our votes? This question matters most at the grassroots, in your ward or constituency, where Members of County Assembly (MCAs) and Members of Parliament (MPs) directly represent you.

The Problem of Mobilisation Money

One expectation has become increasingly common during campaigns: Wanjikus want money to attend rallies, join campaign caravans or mobilise supporters using money and branded party colours. Some expect transport refunds, lunch or cash before they agree to attend a meeting. Others judge an aspirant by how much money they distribute rather than what they plan to deliver. For example, others will view those that don't give money as little as KSh100 as ignorant or incapable, like in villages.

An aspirant who refuses to pay may be labelled arrogant or incapable, while one who spends heavily, like over KSh200 per Wanjiku, may be praised as generous. Yet the money distributed during campaigns does not necessarily translate into better roads, improved healthcare, bursaries or jobs.

Consider a Wanjiku who receives KSh500 from an MCA aspirant. The money may help pay for food that day, but it cannot repair a blocked drainage system, improve street lighting or ensure proper oversight of ward projects. The immediate benefit is real, but it should not replace long term expectations like dealing with insecurity in Clay City Ward, where the incoming MCA should work on it. God willing, if I get elected, I should work on it as part of my key priorities to ensure that cases of theft are dealt with in places like Hunters, Maji Mazuri, Gorofani, Clay City Business Centre and Ciiko.

What Should We Expect from an MCA?

An MCA is not simply a person who attends funerals, contributes money at weddings or distributes cash during campaigns. The office carries constitutional responsibilities. MCAs make county laws, approve county budgets, oversee county executives and represent Wanjikus in county decision making.

For example, Wanjikus in Clay City Ward should ask what an MCA aspirant like myself intends to do about poor drainage, damaged roads, street lighting, waste management, especially the drainage system and garbage collection, and public participation by informing Wanjikus on their rights and allowing them to give their input on county laws, like on budgetary allocations. They should also ask how the aspirant like myself will monitor ward projects like road construction and question delays or poor workmanship!

An MCA cannot personally promise to solve every problem, for sure. Some responsibilities belong to the county executive, while others fall under the national government. A credible aspirant should therefore understand these distinctions and explain how they will legislate, oversee implementation of key issues like the transition from the 8-4-4 curriculum to the Competency Based Curriculum and work with the responsible institutions like the Ministry of Education which is currently held by Julius Migos as the Cabinet Secretary. 

What Should We Expect from an MP?

An MP also has responsibilities beyond distributing bursaries or giving money at campaign rallies. Members of the National Assembly make national laws, approve national expenditure and oversee the national government. Through the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF), constituency structures also support projects such as classrooms and bursaries.

Wanjikus should therefore ask an MP aspirant about their plans for education, legislation, national accountability and constituency development. If an MP aspirant promises bursaries, they should explain how the existing systems work and how eligible learners will access support fairly. If they promise classrooms, they should explain how projects will be prioritised, monitored and completed.

An MP does not personally own public funds because running a constituency is not akin to running a private company! Wanjikus should be wary of anyone who presents public resources as personal generosity, like those who are alleged to siphon public funds as MPs and use the same money during campaign seasons like in the much anticipated 2027 elections, and yet their constituencies represent some of the worst roads!

Generosity Is Not a Development Plan

There is nothing wrong with leaders supporting communities in genuine need, like doing philanthropic work by providing food, clothing and shelter. But the problem always begins when financial handouts become the main measure of leadership! A candidate who contributes KSh10,000 at a funeral may be remembered for the contribution, but Wanjikus should still examine their record, like where they went to school and previous public offices held, competence, like whether they are able given their ability to communicate and act, and understanding of public responsibilities, like understanding their role as MP.

The same scrutiny should apply to aspirants who hire buses, provide campaign meals or pay people to attend rallies. Attendance is not proof of public support, by the way, and a large crowd does not demonstrate the ability to govern! Wanjikus must distinguish campaign spending from a credible plan for public service, like a commitment to ensuring that no child is denied an opportunity to go to school based on where they come from!

Wanjikus Also Have a Responsibility

Accountability is not only the responsibility of elected leaders. Wanjikus must also change the questions they ask. Instead of asking how much an aspirant will give them, they should ask what the aspirant intends to achieve, how it will be funded and how progress will be measured.

Wanjikus can compare candidates' experience, review their public records, attend community forums and demand clear answers. They can also ask current leaders to account for completed, delayed or abandoned projects.

Let Us Raise the Standard

Kenya needs MCAs who understand county governance and MPs who take legislation and oversight seriously. It needs leaders who communicate with Wanjikus, respect public resources and explain both their achievements and their failures!

About the Author

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