Being elected as a member of county assembly (MCA) is good, that is why both the young and the old are salivating for that position. We are far away from the next year elections and people has shown interests in the elective posts. But, do they know the pain that comes with those positions? I do not mean the bitter words and name tarnishing that one meets in the process, but, the financial implication.
I have friends who had the privilege to be leaders in the local government in the previous constitution and in the last session of MCAs and all of them share one quality in common: they are in financial problems. It does not mean they had no money or they do not know how to plan their incomes. It is the people who surrounds them who have led them to their current situation.
In a certain place, an MCA was elected by electorates out of pure heart, his campaign did not cost him as much as he had anticipated. The people he met during home to home campaigns helped him with words and their finances. It was a smooth sail for him. Unfortunately, after getting hold of the position he did not perform. During his term some of the areas he had gathered block votes did not receive a single project from him, and if they did it was not mentionable.
When the last election came, the voters out of the money he was giving them during the campaign promised to re-elect him. He dished out money to them till he was left broke. But, they did not re-elect him. He is now like a person who had never seen tangible money. I hope you know such a person.
There was another person who eyed for the same position of an MCA. He became a darling of the electorates. They invited him to every fund drive that was in their area. He contributed good money at every harambee he was invited. He went ahead to buy men’s and women’s groups tents, chairs, sufurias and fund their activities. He did not forget to sponsor youth games and events. By the time of casting votes he had spent all his savings. He was dry. The voters did not elect him. When election results were announced he became sick and for the next one week he was in the hospital bed.
1. Chances of being an MCA and later languish in poverty are high.
2. Voters can manipulate you in order to eat your hard earned money.
3. Being re-elected is not about money but what you have done in your tenure in office. If you have not done a project that has touched people you represent do not dare to spend money in your campaigns. Voters will eat your money the way fares are eaten and they will disappoint you on the material day.
4. Voters can vote for you without giving them money if you present their interests to them or you perform if seeking a re-election.
I have friends who had the privilege to be leaders in the local government in the previous constitution and in the last session of MCAs and all of them share one quality in common: they are in financial problems. It does not mean they had no money or they do not know how to plan their incomes. It is the people who surrounds them who have led them to their current situation.
In a certain place, an MCA was elected by electorates out of pure heart, his campaign did not cost him as much as he had anticipated. The people he met during home to home campaigns helped him with words and their finances. It was a smooth sail for him. Unfortunately, after getting hold of the position he did not perform. During his term some of the areas he had gathered block votes did not receive a single project from him, and if they did it was not mentionable.
When the last election came, the voters out of the money he was giving them during the campaign promised to re-elect him. He dished out money to them till he was left broke. But, they did not re-elect him. He is now like a person who had never seen tangible money. I hope you know such a person.
There was another person who eyed for the same position of an MCA. He became a darling of the electorates. They invited him to every fund drive that was in their area. He contributed good money at every harambee he was invited. He went ahead to buy men’s and women’s groups tents, chairs, sufurias and fund their activities. He did not forget to sponsor youth games and events. By the time of casting votes he had spent all his savings. He was dry. The voters did not elect him. When election results were announced he became sick and for the next one week he was in the hospital bed.
TAKE HOME POINTS
1. Chances of being an MCA and later languish in poverty are high.
2. Voters can manipulate you in order to eat your hard earned money.
3. Being re-elected is not about money but what you have done in your tenure in office. If you have not done a project that has touched people you represent do not dare to spend money in your campaigns. Voters will eat your money the way fares are eaten and they will disappoint you on the material day.
4. Voters can vote for you without giving them money if you present their interests to them or you perform if seeking a re-election.
