Murang’a senator exposes source of MPs’ church harambee contributions
Murang’a County Senator Joe Nyutu has revealed that it is President William Ruto who gives MPs money to donate during harambees.
Speaking during an interview with a local TV station on Monday, August 18, 2025, Nyutu said that the money often presented by legislators as personal contributions is provided by the State House.
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Nyutu explained that the pattern of uniform donations by MPs across constituencies is a clear sign of central coordination. “This amount of money is given by the President.
Remember, until last year, I was in the government, and I know how these things happen.
When the President visits your area, you will be given some money to contribute each one of you to contribute to the harambees in your church.
That is why it is uniform. Every MP, Tabitha has contributed Ksh200,000, Caroli Omondi Ksh200,000… that way,” he said.
Uniform contributions questioned
The senator suggested that MPs are often simply conduits of presidential largesse, tasked with presenting the money in their names during public fundraisers.
He argued that this is why Kenyans frequently see MPs contributing identical amounts at events, giving the impression of coordination from higher up.
His remarks open up a debate on transparency and accountability in political giving.
While harambees have long been part of Kenya’s culture, critics have often argued that the practice can blur the line between personal generosity and the use of state resources for political patronage.
Wider debate on political funding
Nyutu’s revelations add to growing public scrutiny of how political donations are managed and the role they play in shaping loyalty.
Analysts note that if indeed legislators are donating money sourced from the presidency, it raises questions about whether the funds come from personal reserves or taxpayer resources.
At the same time, his comments could reignite the conversation about campaign-style spending outside election periods.
Civil society groups have in the past called for stricter regulations on how public officials finance harambees, arguing that such practices may entrench patronage networks rather than promote sustainable community development.
As Kenyans continue to debate the culture of fundraisers, Nyutu’s candid remarks have sparked fresh calls for clarity on how money moves from State House to the grassroots.
