Morara Kebaso calls for overhaul in Kenya campaign financing system

By Robert Mutasi 

Lawyer and governance activist Morara Kebaso now wants far-reaching reforms in the country's political and governance structures, especially on campaign financing. 

At a public forum on democratic governance on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 , Kebaso said the country needed to have a complete overhaul of how political campaigns are financed so that only leaders of integrity get elected.

Kebaso added, "We must change the culture of campaign financing in Kenya. We must identify, mentor and fund leaders of integrity to take over power from thieves." 

According to Kebaso, the system is slanted towards ensuring that those with money and influence have an edge over competent but poorly financed leaders who might provide better leadership in governance.

The activist blamed the current political climate, noting that even the very structures of governance in Kenya have been hijacked by people interested more in private gain than public service. 

He said even as Kenya had good laws, the implementation of the same was disrupted by corrupt leaders.

 "We have good laws but bad people in power everywhere from top to bottom," he commented.

Kebaso called for the organization and building of alternative political parties or movements to give a chance to ethical and capable leaders to enter politics. 

He suggested that what the country needs is a movement committed to organizing, funding, and supporting such people-people whom he argued the dominant political culture keeps on the periphery: "We must start, organize and sustain our own party or parties," he added.

Existing laws on campaign financing in Kenya have been developed under the Election Campaign Financing Act to ensure accountability and transparency on funding related to political contests.

 However, different watchdogs on governance and transparency report that enforcement remains weak. 

The EACC also noted loopholes in the past that allow politicians to operate illicit financial activities, especially during election periods.

Calls by civil society and activists like Kebaso have been growing amid a growing conversation on political reforms and democratization of campaign financing in Kenya, with many calling to let integrity be first in Kenyan leadership.