‘Cheap’ publicity? Kenya’s campaign period sees billionaire politicians flock low-end hotels
Ahead of the 8 August general election, Kenya is experiencing pumped up campaign moods as politicians from across the country seek votes from the electorate.
The competition for the presidency has been billed as the tightest race in the East African nation’s history, as long-time political rivals President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga battle each other for the top seat.
The East African country has a population of about 46 million people, with the number of registered voted standing at just over 19.6 million.
With thousands of politicians eyeing various political seats, Kenyans have witnessed a number of creative campaign strategies. One strategy that stands out however, is the billionaire politicians flocking low-end hotels to woo voters.
In the past few months, the country has seen some of its wealthiest people visit road-side eateries to have a meal with locals. Here, most meals cost under $2, and the seating anything but comfortable.
Such hotels offer basic single course meals that one would assume billionaires aren’t accustomed to.
Some of the politicians that have visited such hotels include President Uhuru Kenyatta, who Forbes estimates to be worth $500 million, his deputy William Ruto, Nairobi governor Evans Kidero, Kiambu Governor William Kabogo and many others.
Some Kenyans believe the visits were just publicity stunts, seeing as the politicians made sure they were posted every detail on their social media accounts.
Take a look at some of the pictures from the visits;
