NAIROBI, Kenya — Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) Chief Executive Officer Abdi Ahmed Mohamud has urged Kenyans to make informed choices in the 2027 General Election, warning voters against electing leaders based on clan or ethnic affiliations.
Mohamud also cautioned voters against accepting money or other handouts from politicians in exchange for their votes, saying such deals could undermine their ability to demand accountability after the election.
He spoke in Kajiado on Wednesday, September 23, during an EACC Mashinani community engagement forum aimed at taking anti-corruption education and public awareness closer to communities.
EACC Warns Against Vote Buying
Mohamud said voters who accept money from candidates during campaigns could later find it difficult to challenge elected leaders over poor services or unfulfilled promises.
He urged Kenyans to assess candidates based on their integrity, ability to deliver public services and record in managing public resources.
“We understand that next year we will be going to the elections, and all that is required of us is to choose leaders with integrity. That’s our responsibility; however, some of us do not take it seriously. That’s where we go wrong as citizens,” Mohamud said.
“This year we should really think, so that we cannot start complaining after the elections,” he added.
Citizens Told to Look Beyond Clan Politics
The EACC chief also cautioned voters against allowing clan or ethnic considerations to determine their choices at the ballot.
He said the responsibility of choosing leaders with integrity ultimately rests with citizens and urged voters to consider the qualities and track records of candidates before casting their ballots.
The remarks come as political parties and leaders begin intensifying mobilisation ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Oginde: Protect Public Resources
EACC Chairperson David Oginde separately urged Kenyans to hold public officials accountable for the management of resources entrusted to them.
Oginde warned that public officials who misuse public resources should not be protected because of family, ethnic or personal relationships.
“Those who plunder public resources are enemies of the people. It can be your relative, nephew or father, but that person is the enemy of the people, and therefore we should not tolerate them,” Oginde said.
He challenged public officers to use their positions to serve citizens rather than advance personal interests.
EACC Takes Anti-Corruption Campaign to Communities
The officials were speaking during the second day of the EACC Mashinani campaign in Kajiado County.
The initiative is part of the commission’s wider public education and community engagement programme, which seeks to involve citizens and local institutions in preventing and combating corruption. EACC has described its mandate as including law enforcement, prevention, public education and promotion of integrity.
The commission has also been warning stakeholders about the influence of illicit campaign financing ahead of the 2027 elections, saying dirty money can distort voters’ choices and create pressure for corruption after politicians take office.
