Moneybags: Kindiki, Ichung'wah and Wetang'ula splash cash in Ukambani
Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah on Friday led a team of President William Ruto's allies in raising millions of shillings in Kitui and Machakos counties.
Mr Ichung’wah delivered Sh6 million at a fundraiser in aid of women and youth groups at Scott University in Machakos County. He said the sum comprised Sh3 million from President Ruto, Sh2 million from Prof Kindiki and his own contribution of Sh1 million.
Later, Prof Kindiki arrived at the same function and added Sh500,000 to his contribution, bringing his total to Sh2.5 million.
At a separate venue at Migwani in Kitui County, Mr Wetangula delivered Sh3.5 million. It included Sh3 million from President Ruto and his own contribution of Sh500,000.
“This programme of supporting small-scale traders is a good one. Some leaders are despising it, claiming that we are bribing citizens. Does this look like a bribe? Do we look like people who bribe citizens?” Prof Kindiki posed.
He said the fundraisers were part of a broader programme of empowering women and youth by President Ruto.
The two teams stressed the commitment of President Ruto’s administration to rolling out infrastructure projects and other programmes in all parts of the country without discrimination.
Prof Kindiki, who had led a team of President Ruto’s allies in raising funds for women and youth groups at Zombe Township (Kitui) and Mukuyuni Township (Makueni) on Thursday, said the fundraisers — meant to boost household incomes and reduce poverty — were among pledges President Ruto made during his campaign.
The youth and women empowerment programme by President Ruto's allies dominated discussions as the opposition team, led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, toured Makueni County.
Opposition: Where's the money from?
However, the opposition politicians targeted the empowerment programmes while addressing roadside rallies in Malili, Salama, Sultan, Emali, Makindu, Kibwezi and Kambu townships.
They view the money as part of tactics President Ruto's allies are using to pave the way for his upcoming Ukambani tour, expected later this month.
“President Ruto should explain the source of the millions of shillings he is splashing around in the name of women empowerment. This is corruption through the backdoor. That is public money. Take the money when they bring it around,” Mr Musyoka said at Malili Township.
On his part, Rigathi Gachagua encouraged Ukambani residents to collect the money but cautioned them against using it.
"Collect the money but do not take it home because it has Gen Z blood. Use it to buy yourself alcohol in town. You can also use it to settle your shylock loan. Mr 'Yes Sir,' who is delivering the money, is the one who was sent to kill our children," he said at Emali Township.
However, Mr Ichung’wah denied the claims that the empowerment programme involved public funds, as alleged by Mr Musyoka.
“That is our empowerment agenda. Get your own agenda that is going to transform the lives of Kenyans. We are not using government money. We are using our salaries. Even President Ruto and Prof Kindiki have salaries. Is there a problem with us using our salaries to empower women and youth?” he wondered.