[Kenyans at a past rally. Photo/Courtesy]
A study conducted by a German Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) has revealed that more than half of Kenyans accept bribes from politicians despite being aware that voter bribery is a crime.
The research, carried out in 10 counties further indicated that Bomet County is leading in the number of citizens who have been bribed, at 64.71 per cent.
According to the report, a sample group of 514 respondents were interviewed across the counties of Bomet, Kakamega, Kiambu, Kilifi, Kisumu, Machakos, Meru, Migori, Nakuru and Trans-Nzoia.
Migori had the least number of those bribed at 41.3 per cent.
Kakamega topped with respondents who agreed that being bribed influence the leader they elect at 41.3 per cent whereas Machakos took the last position at 13.04 per cent.
The study titled ‘Voter Bribery as an Election Malpractice in Kenya’, by Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, shows practices such as fundraising during campaigns, cash handouts, paying crowds who attend political rallies, distributing of clothes or caps as campaign materials, promising employment opportunities and paying hospital bills, fees, and funeral expenses for families never assisted by politicians before, translates to acts of voter bribery.
However, politicians tend to think that bribing the electorates is a way to win elections.
The survey released by Centre for Multi-Party Democracy (CDM), Friday, in Nairobi