Voters should be blamed more than politicians who bribe them

 

Voter bribery remains a pressing issue in Kenya. It undermines the principles of ethical governance and, more fundamentally, the essence of human dignity. Frankly, I am more disappointed in us, the voters, than the politicians. We have a duty to uphold human dignity, even in times of poverty.

Not once, twice, or thrice, but numerous authentic clips on social media have revealed politicians offering bribes to voters so that they can attend political rallies. Other clips show mobilisers for these political events demanding their payment after fulfilling their part of the agreement.

This practice reduces political engagement to a mere financial exchange, eroding the dignity of both parties and threatening the integrity of our democratic processes.

The renowned philosopher and theologian Thomas Aquinas provides a timeless framework for understanding moral behaviour through natural law. According to Aquinas, natural law is rooted in human reason and dignity, guiding us to act in ways that promote justice, truth, and the common good. In the context of voter bribery, these principles remind us that freedom—an essential aspect of human dignity—is compromised when our actions are driven by monetary incentives rather than moral responsibility. True freedom involves the ability to will and act responsibly, yet voter bribery reduces us to parasitic participants in a flawed system.

Although the issue of voter bribery is not new, its persistence is disheartening. Campaign activities for the 2027 elections are already in full swing, with politicians using money to draw crowds to their rallies.

I refuse to believe that this is simply a problem with politicians. According to many voters, politicians’ important political currency lies in their ability to offer instant financial aid, cover medical expenses for disadvantaged families, pay school fees, provide jobs for the unemployed, consistently attend fundraising events, provide substantial gifts and money to those in positions of influence, attend funerals, and, of course, defend high-level lawbreakers at the expense of the poor, among other things on the voter wish list.

This behaviour exposes a deeper problem: A culture of dependency that thrives on exploiting poverty. It is easy to point fingers at politicians, but we play a significant role in perpetuating this cycle as voters. Our willingness to accept bribes in exchange for the right to demand government services reflects a short-term mindset that overlooks the long-term consequences of nurturing systems that cannot deliver services taxpayers pay for.

In many parts of the country, voters seek out politicians with the expectation of financial rewards. Some even mistake personal vehicles for those of politicians, offering exaggerated praise in hopes of receiving a few coins. Politicians love the theatre because bribery becomes an investment.

By prioritising immediate gains over the principle of human dignity, we weaken the systems meant to serve everyone equitably. This behaviour is not just about poverty; it’s about how we value ourselves and the future of our vision for development.

The impact of this culture is far-reaching. Ethical individuals often shy away from political leadership as they find it challenging to navigate the demands of a system that equates political tokenism and clientelism with integrity. Politicians who engage in corrupt practices are often celebrated, while those who resist corruption are dismissed as unresponsive. This dynamic discourages meaningful government service delivery and reinforces a cycle of unethical dependency.

Religious leaders and the media can play a vital role in this transformation. They are well-placed to foster conversations that encourage reflection and informed decision-making. By sharing stories that highlight the consequences of voter bribery and celebrating examples of ethical leadership, these platforms can inspire us to approach elections with a sense of responsibility and purpose.

Attending political events out of genuine interest rather than monetary signals a shift in priorities—one that values dignity and accountability over short-term benefits. Aquinas has a good message for us: Bribery contradicts divine law and moral duty. The high poverty level in Kenya, compounded by the rising unemployment rate should not be a reason to undermine our duty to divine law and morals.

Dr Mokua is the executive director of Loyola Centre for Media and Communication