Human rights activist Morara Kebaso has stirred debate by saying that Kenyan voters, rather than political leaders, are responsible for driving corruption and shaping the country’s political landscape. He questioned the electorate’s role in electing leaders based on tribal loyalty and financial incentives, arguing that voters’ choices have deep implications for governance and development.

In a statement shared on X on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, Kebaso said the leaders do what those who elected them want, adding that electorates often enable leaders to misuse public resources without accountability.

“Politicians do what the boss (the voters) want. If Gachagua weren’t tribal today, would he be popular? If Ruto hadn’t amassed billions through corruption, would he have won the presidency in a country where voters and their leaders want money? Lets talk development,” Morara Kebaso said.

He further highlighted that a complacent electorate often enables leaders to misuse public resources without accountability. He added that electorates have donated their brains to be driven by those considered kingpins in the community.

“When a leader does nothing for 40 years, there is nothing to criticise. We say he is good. If someone steals public funds and supports your tribal kingpin, he or she will win an MP seat without campaigning. Meaning we have donated our brains to the kingpin to choose for us,” he added.

Kebaso warned that the current pattern of voter behaviour could have long-term consequences for Kenya’s development, urging citizens to rethink how they engage in the political process. He pointed out that without a more informed and critical electorate, political and economic progress will remain limited.

“If we don’t fix the Kenyan voter, we are not going to Singapore,” he said