How political hopefuls use fear to win votes in Mount Kenya region

A Mount Kenya Community Forest Association (CFA) members vote during elections that were held at Kahururua Forest. [Jacinta Mutura, Standard]

There are individuals whose gift is turning fear into a political commodity. Those who sell political fear think of likely immediate short-term benefits and do not worry about perceptions of credibility, integrity, or sense of dependability. Their logic is to seek or hold onto power, knowing when to beat or to cheat people into compliance. Fear is critical in forcing compliance.