Karua accuses government of exploiting poverty in elections
Karua claims the government exploits poverty to sway voters, criticising the use of handouts over policy-driven leadership during recent by-elections.
People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua has accused the government of exploiting poverty to influence voters, saying the recent by-elections exposed how economic hardship is being used for political gain.
Speaking during the burial of her friend Emmy Nawan-jala Siganga in Matende village, Kabras, Karua said citizens were being offered household items instead of policy-driven leadership, warning that such tactics undermine long-term welfare.
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“Sleeping on a mattress is comfortable compared to the floor, yes, but don’t allow comfort today to blind you when tomorrow you go to the hospital and find there is no medicine,” Karua said.
She condemned the election-day chaos, including the burning of cars near police officers, which she said suggested some leaders benefited from disorder.
“Let us reject violent politics. We have seen cars being burnt while police are nearby. It is as if some people are protecting those who create chaos,” Karua said.
The opposition leader urged citizens not to be swayed by handouts, saying hunger for a day should not dictate their vote.
“If you must eat, eat, but on election day, a day’s hunger will not kill you. Let’s not show our teeth to the hyenas. On election day, don’t play along with the game,” she warned.
She added that the opposition would analyse last week’s poll and decide on the next steps.
“We shall sit as the Opposition to analyse what happened and decide the way forward,” she said, adding that the election was marred by blatant inducements and intimidation that should concern every Kenyan.
On Friday, the opposition challenged the UDA candidate’s victory in the Malava by-election, citing widespread electoral malpractices. Addressing the media in Kakamega town, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale said they were consulting with their candidates in Malava, as well as in other areas where bribery and violence were reported, including Kasipul and Mbeere, with a view to taking legal action.
Natembeya accused the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) of allowing the government to manipulate the process despite allegations of bribery and other irregularities before and during the elections. UDA’s David Ndakwa was declared the winner with 21,565 votes, narrowly defeating Seth Panyako of DAP-K, who garnered 20,210 votes.
Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi echoed Karua’s concerns, condemning what he described as unprecedented abuse of state power and misuse of public resources during the by-elections.
“The things we have seen this week are strange. The battles we fought, the ward is just two villages. People go there with helicopters, bodyguards, arrogance, and hand out money to show off as if they are the government. You won’t do anything. The founders of this nation must be turning in their graves to see what we are seeing now. Unprecedented abuse of state power, incredible misuse of public resources and arrogance,” he said.
Matiangi warned that Kenya risked heading in the wrong direction if such trends continued, terming the emerging politics divisive and focused on personal gain.
“This politics is politics that destroys the country. Arrogance, taking government property, and public funds. Leaders are boasting here, ignoring the opinions of citizens. And the votes of citizens, so that now you can have your way. You have your way, whatever it takes,” he said, praising citizens of Mbeere North and opposition leaders for defending democratic principles.
His warning was reiterated by former Meru Senator Mithika Linturi, who alleged that the Mbeere North campaign had cost the government Sh600 million, citing deployment of 16 helicopters, Air Force resources and military vehicles during the campaign.
“Campaigning for a parliamentary seat here has cost Sh600 million. In normal circumstances, because I ask for votes, we spend around Sh10 million. To campaign across an entire constituency, Sh600 million is equivalent to what 60 MPs would normally spend. That money was spent right here in Mbeere North,” Linturi said.
The opposition has now vowed to pursue legal avenues over what they describe as electoral malpractice, highlighting heightened scrutiny of government conduct ahead of the next general election.
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