The new moneybags: Ruto allies splurge millions on ‘empowerment’ drives
Pro-broad-based government politicians and State officials have their wallets open...
✨ Key Highlights
Several high-profile allies of President William Ruto have been extensively spending millions of shillings on weekend 'economic empowerment' drives, which critics suggest are thinly veiled political mobilization efforts for the upcoming 2027 General Election.
- Approximately Sh19.5 million has been publicly disbursed by Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi and Suna East MP Junet Mohamed in the past week alone, with travel often via helicopter.
- Key figures involved include CS John Mbadi, MP Junet Mohamed, and Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi, alongside contributions from President William Ruto and local leaders like Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga.
- These events, branded as women's economic empowerment programmes, often feature the distribution of branded merchandise and speeches focusing on re-election bids and attacks on the opposition, rather than business training.
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Ruto Allies Spend Millions on Weekend Empowerment Drives - June 2026
Several high-profile allies of President William Ruto have been spending millions of shillings on weekend 'economic empowerment' drives, which critics suggest are thinly veiled political mobilization efforts for the upcoming 2027 General Election. Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has formed a political alliance with DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa and ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna to consolidate the Western Kenya vote bloc for the opposition, aiming to deny President Ruto significant votes from the region. Meanwhile, a public fallout between President Ruto and Kanu chairman Gideon Moi is creating ripples in the Rift Valley, potentially reshaping alliances and impacting the 2027 General Election. Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro and figures within the ODM party are also facing pressure to publicly declare their allegiance ahead of the 2027 General Election.
