Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka has decried the influence of billionaires in Kenya’s government.
Speaking while addressing a workshop on election laws in Nakuru, Kalonzo pushed for adoption of regulations to limit the amount of money spent in campaigns.
In his submission, a few billionaires in the country have taken control of Kenyan politics, taking advantage of their deep pockets to influence the outcome of campaigns.
“Money is enabling only a handful of billionaires to decide who become governors who get into county assemblies and Parliament, and even decide who runs and who eventually sits in the State House as president,” he stated.
According to him, local and foreign financiers channel their money to select politicians who in turn manage to win elections.
The upshot of this, he says, is a situation where elected leaders give priority to the financiers’ interests at the expense of what citizens need.
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“Money consequently ensures that the government works great for a handful of wealthy individuals and powerful corporations that are able to finance elections or pay to influence government policy and legislatures,” the former Vice President noted.
Kalonzo prescription
To address his concern, Kalonzo proposed adoption of laws to, among others, compel financiers to disclose sources of campaign funds.
Kalonzo claimed that government contracts are awarded based on the role played in campaign period, a trend he notes should end.
“Let us not sit back and watch the billionaires lock the majority out of politics and run this country like some private club.”
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IEBC Reforms
Additionally, the Wiper Party Chief raised concerns over lack of credibility in the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Whilst acknowledging the ongoing discussions in the National Dialogue Committee (NADC), Kalonzo insisted that selection of IEBC Commissioners should be free from external influence.
Further, he pinpointed the mishaps that led to postponement of elections in some counties in the 2022 elections as some of key areas to improve.
The meeting brought together various stakeholders to deliberate on possible legislations to improve efficiency in Kenya’s election system.
Also in attendance was Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
