The Politics of Hand Cheques and Handshakes: An International Perspective

President William Ruto's assertion that his ex-vice president Rigathi Gachgua sought a Sh10 billion payoff in return for support—following Gachgua’s own revelation that Ruto had initially offered him Sh2 billion—has unveiled Kenya's deeply ingrained culture of transactional politics. These accusations have sparked conversations around the corrupt practices within Kenyan politics and misuse of public finances by leaders seeking allegiance ahead of elections. Discussions abound regarding potential acts of bribery amid coalition formations, wherein various stakeholders trade their aspirations for monetary gains contingent upon securing specific voter blocks ethnically aligned with them. Moreover, rumors persist concerning financial exchanges tied to reconciliation pacts involving key figures like ODM head Raila Odinga and multiple heads of state; notably, agreements between Odinga and both Presidents Uhuru Kenyatta and now Ruto themselves. In March 2023, President Ruto's economic advisor, David Ndii, declared readiness to utilize taxpayer resources to pacify opponents ensuring governmental stability. "Political stability takes precedence over anything else," stated Ndii via social media posts, emphasizing willingness to finance adversaries using tax revenues should conflict escalate further necessitating resolution strategies akin to handshakes or compromises. Similarly, amidst ongoing speculation surrounding illicit financial transactions during EALA polls, participants allegedly exchanged significant sums aiming to secure legislative endorsements. Furthermore, Ruto recounted details leading up to Gachigua's impeachment ordeal, alleging attempts at coercion followed by extortion threats post-electoral victory. Condemnation swiftly emerged from Jubilee Party officials citing constitutional breaches implicating severe penalties under chapter six guidelines due to explicit references towards unlawful inducements discussed publicly. Additionally, previous testimonies implicated earlier dealings suggesting substantial payouts influencing candidate selections prior to major electoral contests backtracking to 2013 era dynamics involving current incumbent alongside erstwhile partner-turned-rival, Kenyatta. University scholars underscore persistent trends characterizing contemporary Kenyan governance structures perpetuating systematic exploitation leveraging personal interests over collective welfare indicators reflecting broader systemic failures impacting democratic processes adversely across different strata societal frameworks predominantly influenced by entrenched power-broking mechanisms pervasive throughout regional landscapes today. Syndigate.info ).