DP Ruto farm worker donates Ksh 500,000 to church during Kiminini tour
The money in question was handed over to help the church pay its debt for a new bus during DP Ruto’s ongoing tour in western Kenya.
While making the donation, Ruto told churchgoers that the lump sum was part of the proceeds from the good harvest of his Sugoi farm.
“The president informed me that you purchased a church vehicle and the logbook is still with the vendor.
“My farm manager informed me that he had sold avocados, chicken and eggs, he gave me the tithe of 500,000 Ksh to offer to the church.” Ruto explained.
Ruto is not new to making large donations to churches, but this one has raised eyebrows, coming at a time when the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has barred candidates for the Aug. 9 ballot from participating. to the harambees in accordance with the electoral law.
Deadline, the law and crafty politicians
The deadline for politicians standing in this year’s general election to participate in the harambees passed on December 9, 2021 with IEBC President Wafula Chebukati confirming that “in accordance with this, aspirants cannot participate in fundraising by themselves or by proxy in the eight months preceding the election”.
Therefore, politicians have found clever ways to make large donations to endear themselves to voters while respecting the law.
According to Section 26 of the Elections Act, a person may be disqualified if they participate directly or indirectly in any way in any public fundraising or harambee in the eight months preceding a general election or during an election period. .
Article 26, paragraph (1) adds that such a person cannot request to raise funds for a person who contests an election under the law or to raise funds for a political party.
