In the current political system in the country, money is a key determinant. Someones success in the elections depends on how deep their pockets are and how generously their dish out their money.
Its very difficult for a poor person to win in the elections. Politics has been made a game of the rich where only the loaded win the elections.
We are known to vote to the candidate who appeared more philanthropic than the others (especially in the locals elections where ethnicity is not a determinant).
This has led to election of leaders with questionable source of wealth like drug barons, corrupt individuals etc.
They just approach the people loaded and generous. They give hand outs to them, donate to local groups and organizations hence becoming the darling of the locals.
On the election day when presented with a ballot paper, the locals will remember the amount they received from each candidate and not their policies.
Once elected these leaders feel as if they are unaccountable to their constituents since they bought their victory.
Instead of delivering service to the constituents they start embezzling public funds and accumulating wealth to finance their re-election.
We will never progress if we continue to allow politicians to woo us with hand-outs instead of policies.
We sell our democratic right and dignity when we let hand-outs influence our choice in the elections.
We wil only be able to hold our leaders accountable if we dont sell our democratic right. Lets stop encouraging politicians to think that our votes can be bought by a mere Sh100 they give out during the campaigns.