Rigathi Gachagua urged Mt. Kenya voters to accept money from politicians but insisted that cash should not influence their electoral choice, sparking debate over ethical campaigning ahead of the 2027 elections.
He made the statements during a rally, accusing the ruling party of attempting to sway voters through handouts and emphasizing that money should not determine voting decisions.
Gachagua said voters could use the money offered but must exercise their conscience, stressing that receiving cash does not mean compromising moral judgment.
Kasmuel McOure of the ODM Youth League criticized Gachagua, accusing him of hypocrisy, arguing that when handouts fail to deliver votes, leaders often claim voters were bribed.
McOure highlighted the contradiction between encouraging money distribution while condemning voters if the results do not favor the giver.
Previously, Gachagua accused the government of deploying large sums, including Ksh 600 million, to influence voters during the Mbeere North by-election, calling it misuse of public resources for political advantage.
He urged citizens to reject inducements, framing voting as a moral responsibility rather than a transactional exchange.
Critics argue that Gachagua’s recent remarks, which appear to condone taking money while voting independently, undermine voter dignity and promote political manipulation.
The debate over “take the money, but don’t vote for the giver” continues, raising questions about whether Kenya’s democracy can prioritize principle over patronage in upcoming elections.
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