Kenya Kwanza lead Sh20M handout drive for Ruto's second term

As the country gears up for the 2027 General Election, Kenya Kwanza politicians have intensified campaigns for President William Ruto’s re-election, disbursing more than Sh20 million to supporters in Nakuru and Baringo counties.

In what they described as an “empowerment program for youth and women,” Deputy President Kithure Kindiki led over 20 elected leaders on a political tour of the two Rift Valley counties.

In Njoro, Nakuru County, Kindiki told residents that the funds were part of efforts to empower them, but also linked the donations to rallying support for Ruto’s two-term bid.

“President William Ruto has sent me with greetings. Do you want to know what the greetings are about?” Kindiki asked, as the crowd shouted, “Two-term!”

He then revealed that the President had given Sh3 million for the empowerment drive, and personally added Sh1.2 million, before urging fellow leaders to contribute.

Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika initially offered Sh500,000, before National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah pushed her to add Sh200,000. Ichung’wah himself gave Sh500,000 and rewarded residents who loudly shouted “two-term” with cash handouts, including Sh2,000 to one woman.

Njoro MP Charity Kathambi contributed Sh300,000, nominated MP Sabina Chege Sh100,000 plus Sh1,000 to each of several residents who danced with her, and Bahati MP Irene Njoki Sh100,000 plus Sh1,000 to 10 dancers.

Molo MP Kimani Kuria gave Sh200,000 and an extra Sh7,000 to a stage dancer, while other contributors included Nakuru East MP David Gikaria (Sh100,000), Uriri MP Mark Nyamita (Sh100,000), Nakuru Woman Rep Liza Chelule (Sh200,000), and former Gender CS Aisha Jumwa (Sh100,000 plus Sh1,000 to dancers).

By the end of the Nakuru event, the leaders had raised over Sh10 million.

Earlier, in Kabarnet, Baringo Central, Kindiki made a similar appearance, announcing Ruto’s Sh3 million and his own Sh1.2 million contribution, before Baringo MPs added amounts ranging from Sh100,000 to Sh500,000. The total raised there exceeded Sh10.2 million.

Kindiki’s announcements on the employment of 70,000 teachers and the revival of Kazi Mtaani under a climate-focused model were largely overshadowed by the two-term political messaging.

The Kenya Kwanza campaign caravan is set to continue on Saturday in Molo.