Officials of Mathioya Women Sacco have distanced themselves from organizers of a fundraising event expected to be graced by Deputy President (DP) William Ruto.
The officials and the county cooperative department said that they learnt of the fundraiser through posters circulated on social media platforms.
The sacco chairperson, Ms. Adijah Mwangi, through a press briefing at county offices on Wednesday said that those behind the fundraiser are not their members.
In the poster, Ms. Mwangi said that the occasion is being organized by Mathioya Women Sacco clarifying that the Sacco she leads is not part of the organizers.
“I want to inform our members that the fundraising event is not ours and we are not aware of the occasion expected to be graced by Deputy President Ruto,” said Ms. Mwangi.
The county chief officer for cooperatives, Mr. Bernard Wanyoike said that they did not get any information from the sacco officials informing them about the event.
Wanyoike noted that for a sacco to hold a Harambee, permission should come from delegates through Annual General Meeting (AGM) or a special AGM.
He said that saccos are financial institutions guided by laws and thus a Harambee can not be held with its delegates’ approval.
“Saccos are structured organizations that are governed by by-laws to protect the societies from outside influence. If there are welfare groups organizing fundraising events then they can do one but not misuse the name of a Sacco,” he added.
He further said many saccos have collapsed after they allowed themselves to be influenced by politicians.
“Murang’a is known for many cooperative societies but some have collapsed after their members got involved in politics,” the chief officer said.
DP Ruto is set to preside over the fundraiser for the Mathioya group and Kangeme Boda Boda Sacco.
There are fears that opposing groups may clash following the chaos witnessed in Kenol town, Murang’a two weeks ago where two people were killed.
