Politics of ‘handcheques’ undermining democracy

President William Ruto’s claim that his former deputy Rigathi Gachagua, who was impeached late last year, had demanded to be paid Sh10 billion for his support, confirms that our politics is driven largely by personal interests and considerations. Before this disclosure, Mr Gachagua had alleged that the President had offered him Sh2 billion to resign. There could have been no better confirmation of our transactional politics than these revelations.

These leaders purport to articulate the interests of the people they represent from the grassroots to the national level, but their personal considerations often come on top of everything else. As a result, they will do anything to make sure that their hold on power is not threatened or undermined.

The President’s disclosure confirms the rampant business of “handcheques” and handshakes in the run-up to elections and after. This is what determines how the country is run, and makes a mockery of the use of the vote in the democratic practice. It is dishonest of the leaders to use public funds to entrench themselves in power. Since they buy those positions, they have no scruples about diverting more public resources to retain their control. This is how democracy, which is rule of the people by the people, is undermined.

Debate is now raging on abuse of office by leaders who dish out billions in taxpayers’ money to buy loyalty. Bribery also plays a key role in coalition-building. It has also been revealed that the Executive bribes MPs to reject or pass Bills and reports in Parliament. They sacrifice their role as watchdogs of the people they represent as long as their palms are greased.

To some leaders, politics is just a business to make money and not a calling to serve the people as their representative in law-making organs.

If proven, the bribery or even attempts to do so are a direct violation of Chapter Six of the Constitution that demands integrity among leaders and solid ground for impeachment.