This archive report was first published on 1 November 2019.
Published on November 1, 2019, a forum in Nairobi highlighted the significant role of wealth in Kenyan elections. According to a report by Mzalendo Trust, 24 counties have never elected a woman in the past four elections, partly due to this discrimination.
Kitui Central MP Makali Mulu emphasized that in Kenyan politics, the wealth of an individual often determines their chances of winning. “In politics, if you have no money it’s an issue,” he said, noting that those with deeper pockets have higher chances of success.
Senator Susan Kihika, the chief guest at the launch, reiterated the need to separate politics from financial muscle. She highlighted several challenges hindering the representation of women and youth in the parliamentary process, including the cash constraint factor, lack of support from State and non-State institutions, biased political party nomination processes, and lack of civic education.
Former Migori Woman Representative Dennitah Ghati also raised concerns about the exclusion of persons with disabilities in conversations about marginalization.
