Envelopes containing the Sh285,000 given to ODM supporters by a team of politicians led by Msambweni MP Suleiman Dori during a meeting at St Joseph Catholic church hall in Diani. Photo/ the-star.co.keA number of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) aspirants in Kwale are reported to having been issuing cash to the electorate during different functions ahead of the April 11 primaries.The issuance of cash is contrary to Section (64) (1d) of the Election Laws Amendments Act, 2016, that bars hopefuls and their representatives from making "any gift, loan, offer, promise procurement or agreement ... to procure the vote. Msambweni MP Suleiman Dori, Governor hopeful Speaker Sammy Ruwa, aspirants Issah Juma (senator) and Fatuma Masito (woman representative) are however said to have given a total of Sh285,000 during a political meeting at St Joseph Hall in Diani, the Star reports.The leaders have been pitching tents in different parts of Kwale seeking support from residents, as they eye different posts. Dori said that they will continue giving out money to the people even after the nominations. “Hii safari imeanza na musitishike. Tarehe kumi na moja ikifika mwende kwenye vituo vyenu mtupigie kura. Na ninawahakikishia tutabumula watu vilivyo. Leo tutabumula na siku ya mchujo mkimaliza kupiga kura pia tutabumula watu,” (The journey has begun... don't fret. Vote for us during the nominations...we will give you money today, after the nominations and after the general election)," he said as quoted by the Star. The leaders have affirmed they will ensure that President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto do not retain power in August.

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