Show me the money: a look into the electoral offence of voter bribery

Abstract

The Constitution of Kenya Review Commission in its final draft stated the essence of elections. It declared that, “The cornerstone of participatory governance is to hold free, fair and periodic elections. Elections serve not only to choose people’s representatives, but also to elect or determine government election or appointment. They demonstrate the people’s sovereignty and accountability by politicians. They lend legitimacy to governments.” In order to protect this crucial process that demonstrates the sovereignty of the people and lends legitimacy to governments, the Election Offences Act provides for among others, the offence of voter bribery.