Morara Kebaso: Transparency on campaign funds could expose candidates to risk
Activist Morara Kebaso has raised concerns over the push for full transparency in the use of campaign funds contributed by Kenyans.
In a statement on Friday, July 25, 2025, he warned that such disclosures, especially in real time, could inadvertently compromise the security of candidates.
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“Accountability for campaign funds should be balanced against the security risks it poses. When you inform everyone on everything you have done to the very last detail, you are not just informing your supporters; you are also informing your enemies,” he said.
He argued that disclosing sensitive logistical and financial information during campaigns could expose candidates to targeted attacks, surveillance, or sabotage.
“For example, if in your accountability report you say you paid for a bug detector, your enemies now know you have one. When you say you paid Ksh1,000 bob for party registration, your enemies now know your next move,” he added.
Furthermore, Kebaso cited operational details such as vehicle maintenance as potential vulnerabilities.
“If you pay for changing engine oil at AutoXpress, they now know where you change your engine oil and can plan to bug the car,” he stated.
While acknowledging the need for accountability in campaign financing, Kebaso urged a phased approach.
“In my opinion, full accountability should be done after elections, not before. It’s not to escape the responsibility of accountability but to also avoid exposing the candidate. That is a conversation we need to have,” he said.
Maraga
His remarks come shortly after former Chief Justice David Maraga pledged full accountability for the funds being raised for his 2027 presidential campaign bid.
Speaking days after the launch of his official fundraising campaign, which he describes as people-driven, under the slogan ‘Reset, Restore, and Rebuild,’ he thanked Kenyans for their support and promised to strengthen and secure all digital fundraising platforms.
“We wish to express our appreciation to the thousands of Kenyans who have so far volunteered their resources, time, and effort to the campaign. In unprecedented fashion, we kicked off a people-driven campaign that is continuing to grow,” his campaign secretariat said.
The campaign website allows Kenyans to contribute to support his presidential bid.
“This is your journey. My commitment to you, as best as humanly possible, guided by integrity and constitutional fidelity, is that of complete transparency, accountability, and in the responsible handling of your resources, data, time and effort,” affirmed through his campaign team.
The campaign team noted that the support so far has already signalled a shift in how Kenyans wish to engage with politics.
“Your continued contributions and volunteer sign-up on the website are a true statement to the evolution of Kenyan politics that Kenyans have for a long time demanded,” it stated.
For those already signed up, the team said that communication on their roles and contributions will be sent out soon, along with a final framework that will enable individuals to offer their talents toward nation-building.
The secretariat also highlighted ongoing technical enhancements to secure and expand the digital infrastructure. A public ticker will soon be added to show live updates on fundraising efforts.
“Our technical team continues to strengthen our digital platform’s capacity and security. This will include the public ticker on all digital fundraising platforms. This is truly your journey, and the digital platforms we are rolling out will be bold infrastructure inspired by this young and courageous generation,” the team said in a statement.
