Parameters the Electorate Will Use to Elect their Leaders

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A resident of Trans Nzoia County addressing Radio Baraza in Kitale. PHOTO/Kipkorir Tarus

Emanuel Tarus, DeveReporter, Trans Nzoia County

What will you consider when electing your next leaders? This is the question we asked the electorate in Trans Nzoia County. The responses are surprising.

Janet, a shopkeeper in Tuwan area, told Radio Baraza’s DevReporter that when voting specifically for the County Member of Parliament, officially known as the Women Representative, she will consider her looks and background.

“I will be looking for that beautiful lady in the ballot paper for the position of Women Representative. I will also look at her background, a lady who has made her own money will not loot our resources once she is elected into office” Janet said.

Philip Kinjo said that he would consider and elect leaders who were nominated by his political party.

“I will elect leaders based on their political parties. Party primaries sieved and gave us the best candidates, who were later cleared by IEBC. In this case I will vote for UDA candidates,” he said.

Lucky Labista, a cyber café operator in Makutano area of Cherang’any constituency said he would vote for his leaders based on their integrity and performance in their previous posts.

“One, I will look for an honest person, people of unquestionable integrity and if they have been in the government how did they perform. These are some of the things I will consider,” Labista said.

Others are still confused on whom to vote for especially in the Presidential seat, and are still consulting before deciding on August 9.

“My heart wants Ruto; the tribalism aspect wants Raila Odinga. I am confused, I am still weighing and I will have decided whom to vote for by the election date,” said a resident.

Stephen Kipkoech, a hawker in Kitale said that he would vote for leaders who have realistic manifestos and not overrated unrealistic promises.