Migori County representative Pamela Odhiambo remembers with nostalgia election campaigns of the 1970s and 1980s when politics was less toxic and candidates focused on issues.
“When I was a young girl, politicians used to come to our village during the campaign period and even go to the farms to talk to our parents about their agenda and humbly ask for votes,” says Odhiambo.
At that time, the country was riding high after gaining independence from the British colonialists in 1963. The spirit of nationalism permeated everything and politics was dominated by former freedom fighters who were held in high esteem by voters.
Much has changed since then. Modern-day politics has become commercialised and is often seen as a preserve for the wealthy or a springboard for get-rich-quick schemers.
Commercialisation of politics
Human rights activists have raised concerns about the current trend,
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