By Sefu Sabila, DevReporter Trans Nzoia
Hand-outs and tips have become a major phenomenon during the electioneering period in Kenya. With so many different terms used to define them, for instance, “kunawa” or “kugwara” depending on the area, hand-outs no longer have a major impact on the voting patterns, except that they now target the undecided voters.
In slums, hand-outs have become a major source of income with residents always on alert during the day in order to “kugwara”.
Undecided voters
Margaret Nafula, a political activist in Trans Nzoia County says that hand-outs by politicians in the society today only influence the undecided voters, and this has become the centre of interest for aspirants in the country.
“Hand-outs have been a major boost for aspirants to trap the undecided voters, and this is undoubtedly working in their favour. This crucial group will vote depending on the amount dished out, without knowing that they are selling their democratic right as stated in the Constitution.” She explained.
According to Kassim Kelvin, a youth in Tuwan Ward, hand-outs are work for new politicians on the campaign trail. The depth of their pockets will determine their likelihood to clinch electoral seats such as Members of County Assembly (MCA), but not the major top-seats in the country.
“Hand-outs may work for MCAs and aspiring politicians in the society today, they however no longer influence the voting patterns as much as they did years ago. Voters will take the hand-outs but still be able to independently choose who to actually elect on voting day, unless one is an undecided voter with the youth majorly falling in this category.” He said.
Poverty
With the high cost of living and levels of poverty in the country, hand-outs are now a major source of income for many Kenyans. Ms. Nafula says that the situation has pushed many to depend for survival, on the shs100 or 200 dished out to them by politicians.
” Living conditions have become harsh in Kenya, someone wakes up and has nothing to offer the family, they now solemnly depend on where an aspirants is, to collect the little money, but this has not changed their stands on who to vote for, it is poverty that pushes them to collect the handouts. ” She added.
“Dishing out Sh50 is an intimidation to voters, times are tough we shall take the money but we know who to vote for.” George Malika a resident of Tuwan lamented.
Related stories:
https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/amp/letters/article/2001429883/end-culture-of-handouts-and-vote-for-worthy-leaders
