Religious Leaders Warned as EACC Raises Alarm Over Illicit Election Funds

Religious leaders have been urged to reject illicit funds ahead of the 2027 General Election, with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) warning that dirty money could influence voters and undermine efforts to promote integrity in public leadership. 

Speaking on Thursday, September 3, EACC Chairperson Dr. David Oginde said religious institutions and leaders have a responsibility to avoid legitimizing funds whose sources are questionable.

"Religious leaders have been urged to reject and refrain from legitimizing illicit funds ahead of the 2027 General Election, amid concerns that dirty money could distort voters’ choices and fuel corruption in government," EACC said in a statement.

Oginde warned that politicians who use proceeds of corruption, money laundering and unexplained wealth to finance their campaigns could later be compelled to reward those who bankroll their political activities through corrupt government deals.

"Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) Chairperson Dr. David Oginde warned that politicians who finance campaigns using proceeds of corruption, money laundering and unexplained wealth could later be pressured to reward their financiers through inflated tenders, manipulated procurement and other corrupt deals," EACC added.

Oginde stressed that accepting or benefiting from illicit resources undermines efforts to build a society founded on ethical leadership and integrity.

"There is no way we are going to build a society of integrity if we are beneficiaries of illicit resources," he stated.

Oginde further said election campaigns should focus on the quality of leadership, values and principles of candidates rather than the amount of money they are able to spend.

"He cautioned that illicit wealth gives wealthy candidates an unfair advantage and distorts voters’ ability to choose leaders based on merit," EACC further said.

This comes weeks after Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna revealed that he only spent Ksh7 million in his 2022 campaigns.

Speaking to the Forum for Young Aspirants (FOYA) on Tuesday, August 25, he told the young leaders that running campaigns in the country must not be an expensive affair.

Sifuna told them that the most important thing was to be a good leader and explained that people would always fund leaders who stood for something they believe in.

However, he clarified that people will only fund leaders who they see have the potential to win.

"When I tell people how much I spent in 2022, they say that I am lying - Ksh7 million. I had the highest number of billboards in Nairobi, but I did not pay a single shilling.

"Good leaders do not follow money; money follows good leaders. People will invest in you if they feel that you represent something," he stated.

Sifuna told the youth not to be scared by the huge campaign costs, explaining that it was a narrative created by the political class to stop new leaders from running for office.

"They want you to think that it's too expensive, but it is a lie. They do not want you to participate. If you are bold enough, have a vision, and can convince people, you will be surprised how many people will support you," he added.

Sifuna further gave the aspirants tips on how to conduct themselves, especially when addressing voters.

He advised them to keep their message short and precise, adding that they should preferably include a summary of the three main points they intend to make during campaigns.

Sifuna also advised youths to take advantage of social media and not turn down opportunities for interviews, noting that interviews give them a platform to grow.