Political corruption, party financing and democracy in Kenya

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Periodical article

Title:	Political corruption, party financing and democracy in Kenya
Author:	Mwangi, Oscar Gakuo
Year:	2008
Periodical:	Journal of Modern African Studies
Volume:	46
Issue:	2
Pages:	267-285
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Kenya
Subjects:	corruption political parties election campaigns
External link:	https://www.jstor.org/stable/30225924
Abstract:	This article examines political corruption and political party financing since the reintroduction of multiparty politics in Kenya in 1991. It uses the Goldenberg and Anglo-Leasing mega-scandals to demonstrate the existence of political corruption, particularly campaign financing, arguing that it has increased under multiparty rule and affected the nature of governance. It has adversely affected political participation and competition, the rule of law, transparency and accountability. Illegal funds to finance the KANU election campaign in the 1990s were raised through the Goldenberg Affair, whereas those aimed at financing the National Rainbow Coalition's election campaign in December 2007 were raised through the Anglo-Leasing scandal. Corrupt campaign financing, therefore, poses a threat to democracy in the country. The democratic space created and expanded by multipartyism has, however, provided new opportunities for waging the war against corruption. It is in the context of these arguments that the conclusion raises broader issues for corruption and democracy in Africa. Bibliogr., sum. [Journal abstract]