Let us kid ourselves by saying that those who attend political fundraisers is because the care and believe in the candidates’ policies. Let’s not kid ourselves, those who attended YT2’ recent fundraiser or Raila’s 1 million - per plate dinner was not because they gave a damn about the polices. Not just this particular election but all Kenyan elections. All over the world, even in the US, political campaign donations have always been an issue. One of the best ways for businessmen to get business is by donating to political campaigns because they will almost always get something in return once the candidate gets to office.

Kenya doesn’t have explicit laws when it comes to guiding election donations, so it’s mainly at the discretion of the committee,the candidate and the donor. The Election Campaign Financing Bill 2012 (google it) is ambiguous; for instance, it has not indicated the maximum/minimum a person can donate and you all know what that means. It’s good on paper but on the ground it’s totally different.

First timers are easier to deal with than the old guards; the higher it goes (senator, governor) the more complicated it becomes because accessing them is not easy, plus the donors are many. Contributions can be done to the party (TNA/ODM; this again depends on your area, if it’s a TNA zone then it makes more sense to contribute to TNA, same for ODM, Wiper etc) or give the candidate him/herself. Churches are favourite hunting grounds, most pastors can determine your ‘worth’ by how much tithe you pay and donations you have made; then they direct the candidate to you. Golf clubs, chamas and boards are also hunting grounds.

However, the best situation is when the candidate actively looks for the donors, as opposed to donors looking for candidates.Who approaches who is very important because it establishes the dynamics of the association.

Donations depend: bronze-silver-gold-kind of thing. 1 million-plus donations are always preferred, 5 million even 10 million. The higher the donation is, the more it makes sense to break it down, such as brothers/spouses/friends to contribute.

Everyone should think about diversifying their ‘investments’. Part 2 will be on how that works. Remember, donations can go wrong; candidate anapata kichwa and forgets where he/she came from and reneges, misuse etc.

Anything to share?

Different counties I hope

haha plan B??planning on killing him?