Wanjigi: Ruto's unbudgeted payouts raise transparency concerns

Sarafina Party Leader, Jimi Wanjigi appearing on live broadcast on Spice FM on August 18, 2025. [File, Standard]

Safina Party leader Jimi Wanjigi has accused President William Ruto of distributing millions of shillings outside the national budget, raising questions over the source and legality of the funds.

Speaking on Spice FM on Monday, August 18, Wanjigi noted that the millions pouring into Harambee Stars, county empowerment rallies, and the proposed Sh1.2 billion State House altar expose a presidency using unbudgeted funds whose origin remains unclear.

“As we speak today, we're not told where that money is coming from. Is it in the budget? Is it that we've been told that it's coming from his pocket? So it's coming from a slush fund somewhere. Did you hear it being passed in the budget? Is it his money? Did he declare it when he got to power that he had that kind of money?” Wanjigi explained.

The criticism follows Harambee Stars players receiving Sh210 million in bonuses without allocation in the sports budget, while counties continue to wait months for disbursements.

Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei defended county empowerment tours as personal donations aligned with the harambee spirit.

 “Empowerment didn’t start the other day. It started with Mzee Jomo with the spirit of harambee, and anyone who tells you that they don't do politics of empowerment is lying through their teeth,” Cherargei observed.

Wanjigi dismissed the claim as political camouflage, insisting the scale of cash distribution points to a centralised slush fund at State House. “If it is personal money, declare the source. If it is public, then it is illegal,” he added.

He further noted that the proposed Sh1.2 billion altar at State House illustrates misplaced priorities. 

“At a time when pensions are delayed and universities face collapse, billions are appearing for football bonuses, county rallies, and even a private altar. This is not budgeting. It is showbiz politics,” Wanjigi argued.

Wanjigi also claimed that much of the money displayed at rallies is recycled back by organisers, undermining the credibility of the empowerment drives. 

“The people who came with the money are the same people who collect the same money and by evening money is collected back into a chopper or a car with the people who say they are securing it and go to the next venue,” Wanjigi observed.