Reuben Kigame questions Ruto’s salary amidst lavish spending and promises
Former presidential candidate and gospel artist Reuben Kigame has raised concerns about President William Ruto’s salary amidst his lavish spending and promises.
Speaking during an interview with a local media station on Monday night, August 26, 2025, Kigame questioned Ruto’s financial commitments, particularly regarding his pledge to reward the Harambee Stars with Ksh 600 million if they win during the ongoing 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament.
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In addition, Kigame questioned the source of such substantial funds, asking whether they originated from the president’s personal finances or from taxpayers.
He further challenged the legitimacy of the president’s authority to allocate taxpayer money for sporting incentives, should the funds indeed come from the public coffers.
“When you look at how the president spends and makes promises of a monetary nature, you’ve got to ask yourself why anybody is asking how much the president makes, “Kigame questioned.
“If Harambee Stars win CHAN, you are going to get Ksh 600million, whose money is that? Is it our taxes is it, is it his personal money, and if it is our taxes, who gave him the mandate to distribute our taxes for a football game and who agreed it will be Ksh600million.”
Kigame’s remarks echo broader concerns about government spending priorities and the transparency of financial allocations. His critique aligns with previous statements where he has questioned the government’s fiscal policies and the equitable distribution of resources.
Ruto’s promises
This comes after Ruto pledged a Ksh 600 million reward to the Harambee Stars contingent if they win the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
The incentive structure includes Ksh 1 million per player for each match won, Ksh 500,000 for each draw, Ksh 60 million for reaching the quarterfinals, and Ksh 70 million for advancing to the semifinals. The Ksh 600 million reward is contingent upon the team winning the tournament. However, he later added the amount after the second win.
This arrangement has raised questions about the use of public funds..
