Why One Man, One Vote, One Shilling Is A Threat to Kenya’s Marginalized Communities

By : Antonellah Kakuko Director of Digital Communications, UDA Party

The “one man, one vote, one shilling” principle championed by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is both unconstitutional and discriminatory towards Kenya’s marginalized communities.

It ignores the country’s constitutional mandate to ensure equitable resource distribution and affirmative action for disadvantaged areas.

The Constitution mandates that resources be distributed in a manner that addresses economic disparities within and among counties.

This is crucial for remedying long-standing inequalities and ensuring all regions develop at a similar pace. By focusing solely on population as the basis for resource allocation, the proposed principle fails to consider the unique challenges faced by less developed areas.

As a child from a pastoralist background, I am deeply concerned that Gachagua’s stance suggests areas like Lamu, Tana River, Garissa, Isiolo, Turkana, Taita Taveta, Marsabit, Baringo, Samburu, and West Pokot are less important to the nation. This approach risks further marginalizing these regions, which have historically been neglected.

Equitable resource allocation must take into account various factors, including the need for affirmative action and the existing economic disparities among counties.

The Constitution’s emphasis on equality and equity is designed to ensure true equality, not just in theory but in practice. Treating every region alike, regardless of their specific needs and challenges, is inherently unequal.

While population should be a factor in resource allocation, it should not be the sole determinant. We demand equity, not just equality, in the distribution of resources and development across the country.

The marginalized communities have been sidelined for far too long, and it is time to rectify this imbalance. Our call for “one man, one kilometer, one shilling” reflects our demand for fair and just treatment in resource allocation.

Kenya belongs to all of us, and concentrating prosperity in only one region is dangerous and unjust.

The equitable development of all regions, including the northern and southern parts of Kenya, is essential for the country’s rapid and balanced growth.

It is time for all communities, regardless of their geographical location, to receive the attention and resources they deserve.